Wetumpka Herald Jan. 31 2024

Water an issue in state prisons over the weekend

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Holtville High School basketball coach arrested

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

Many in Elmore County saw a drop in water pressure as cold temperatures affected the area.

It prompted many property owners to turn on faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.

A virtual teacher at Elmore County School’s Edge program has been arrested and charged with school employee distributing obscene material to a student.

Elmore County Sheriff Bill

Franklin said Emmanuel Andre Wilson II, 32, of Montgomery turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon.

At the same time, water pressure was an issue at Elmore and Staton correctional facilities in western Elmore County. Families of inmates at the two state prisons have posted on social media and called The Wetumpka Herald about a lack of water and heat. The water issue was acknowledged by the Alabama Department of Corrections.

Wilson was the head basketball coach at Holtville High School and was placed on administrative leave Jan. 13 according to Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis.

Elmore County,” ADOC spokesperson Kelly Betts said. “The responsible water supply entity is working to resolve the issue and is keeping ADOC informed.”

investigation and handed it off to the appropriate authorities. He was also placed on administrative leave at that time.”

“Elmore Correctional Facility and Staton Correctional Facility have experienced low pressure issues with water along with all of

“We had a report,” Dennis said. “We had a preliminary

A story of survival Richards opens up about post-shooting

journey

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor

The last thing Trinity Richards remembers is a lightswitch. She remembers hearing an announcement about guns. She remembers telling her friends she wanted to leave after that song. She remembers retrieving her cell phone. She remembers standing by the lightswitch next to her friend Cara Johns, one of just a few people she knew at the party.

Water usage in Elmore County was up during the cold spell and is not uncommon according to Elmore Water and Sewer Authority general manager Billy Eddings.

Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.

“Cold weather is when we see our largest usage,” Eddings

“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”

said. “We see a higher usage than during the summer months.”

Franklin said investigators with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office have the alleged victim’s phone. Authorities collected Wilson’s phone as well. “You could see a conversation between the two,” Franklin said. “Mr. Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”

Eddings said his department does not supply water to the state prisons and the utility authority had plenty of water during the recent cold weather. Water usage was noted on social media pages for Central Elmore Water and Sewer Authority that serves eastern Elmore County.

Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes after turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail website.

“We are still experiencing very high volumes of water leaving the plant,” CEWSA posted Friday on Facebook. “If you are still dripping your faucets, stop.”

The authority asked property owners to check to see if the water meter was still “spinning” after the water was turned off.

Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday. erings but the chamber celebrated the successes of ple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each

SUBMITTED | TPI

Trinity Richards was named a homecoming nominee at Pike Road after being a victim in the April 15, 2023 shooting in Dadeville.

Sneed’s estate, Honda settle case

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor

Despite striking a jury and being prepared for closing arguments, the case between Mitch Sneed’s estate and Honda Global was settled early Tuesday afternoon.

“If it is spinning, you have a

Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assistant football coach.

Dennis said other staff would fill in for the duties of Wilson at Holtville while he is on administrative leave.

By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer

MITCHELL WILL BE MISSED IN

Police are still investigating the fatal shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot on Jan. 20.

WETUMPKA

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Yancey Joe Mitchell III is gone but his life’s works live on in Wetumpka, Elmore County and beyond.

Police were dispatched to the parking lot around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call. Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle. According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting.

side Memorial and Gardens in Wetumpka. It’s a funeral service business he started in 1994.

“This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton. “We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.”

Mitchell was instrumental in bringing Wetumpka together. It was evident to Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis.

[better],” Willis said. “We realized if we were going to work together, we had to build the relationship.”

This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.

“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton.

Staff Report

“We’ve reached a confidential settlement,” said Beasley Allen attorney Ben Baker, who was working on behalf of Sneed’s family. “We’ve been litigating for a couple of years and the family is, I think, just happy

to have a resolution to everything and to know the family will be taken care of.” Sneed died July 1, 2018, following injuries suffered during a car crash.

Sneed’s family filed a lawsuit against Honda due to an alleged malfunction of the Honda Accord’s Collision SNEED

The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year. The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.

Mitchell died Jan. 16 at the age of 71. He was a deacon at Second Missionary Baptist Church in Wetumpka. His celebration of life service filled the large sanctuary at True Divine Baptist Church in Montgomery and everyone spoke highly of Mitchell. Some sang and preached. Others shared stories of Mitchell’s passion and fire but also his compassion. Many of those stories included family members and friends who worked with Mitchell at Hill-

“He is a major part of the community,” Willis said. “He served on many boards and committees. He was very involved in what we were doing and bringing the community together. He was instrumental in that.”

Benton didn’t want to speculate on the

Mitchell and Willis always talked about how to help groups of people, how to help Wetumpka grow or how to help someone with a burial. Mitchell called Willis from time to time seeking a donation to help bury someone. The largest donations always came from Mitchell.

See SHOOTING, Page A3

Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year

“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed the school culture from that of a school struggling with low morale, achievement and attendance to a school that strives for excellence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’s leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to

See CASE, Page A6

As mayor, Willis realized he needed Mitchell for accomplishing a goal both had of improving Wetumpka for all. The pair realized the foundation of their friendship needed to grow for it to happen.

“We got to know each other

shift in a positive direction. The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 percent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.

“If we only knew how much he gave away,” Willis said. The foundation of Willis’ and Mitchell’s friendship started years before. It was before Willis was elected to the Wetumpka City Council. It was as

See MITCHELL, Page A7

Mourners arrive for funeral services for Yancey Mitchell III at True Divine Baptist Church in Montgomery. The Wetumpka businessman died Jan. 16 and was celebrated by the community.

See PRINCIPAL, Page A3

WILSON

Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD

CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI

Lake Martin’s Best Source for News and Information.

Police Reports

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

JAN. 22

• Theft was reported on Chapel Lakes Lane. JAN. 18

• Theft was reported on Lee Street. JAN. 5

• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

JAN. 29

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Oak Heights Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Washington Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on South Ann Street.

JAN. 28

• Assistance was given to a motorist on North Ann Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Third Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Third Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on Camellia Drive.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Ashurst Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Macedonia Road.

• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on North Dubois Street.

• Gunfire was reported on Wall Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Wallace Drive.

• Harassment was reported on South Ann Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A white male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Weldon Road.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Little Road.

• Forgery was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Outer Drive.

• Burglary was reported on Tallassee Highway.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on South Wesson Street.

• A reckless driver was reported on Highway 229.

• Theft was reported on Third Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Washington Street.

• A tree was reported in the roadway on Thompson Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on South Ann Avenue.

• A disorderly subject was reported on South Ann Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Kent Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A suicidal subject was reported on Gilmer Avenue. JAN. 26

• A white male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.

• Assistance was given to a City of Tallassee employee on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Sylvan Lane.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Highway 229.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

JAN. 25

• Reckless driving was reported on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Log Circle.

• Disorderly conduct was reported on Friendship Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Macedonia Road.

• A hit and run accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.

• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.

• A white male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.

• An animal complaint was reported on Macedonia Road.

JAN. 24

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Burt Mill Road.

• An animal complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Hickory Street. Jan. 23

• A white male and white female were arrested on Highway 229.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Ransom Drive.

• Theft was reported on Seventh Street.

• A suspicious person was reported on James Street.

• A suspicious person was reported on Redden Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Dusty Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on West James Street.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Redden Avenue.

JAN. 22

• Reckless driving was reported on Highway 229.

• A suspicious person was reported on Friendship Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Friendship Road.

• Identity theft was reported on Sims Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on South Ann Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Flat Rock Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Third Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on Powers Avenue.

• Robbery was reported on Birch Street.

• A vehicle fire was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on John Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Third Avenue.

• A suicidal subject was reported on South Ann Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Third Avenue.

• A verbal fight was reported on South Ann Avenue.

JAN. 27

• A domestic dispute was reported on Third Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Identity theft was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A welfare check was conducted on Friendship Road.

• Animal control was requested on Laurel Street.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on South Ann Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Laurel Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Laurel Street.

• Animal control was requested on North Ann Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Hillcrest Street.

JAN. 21

• Assistance was given to another agency on Freeman Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested during a trespassing call on Gilmer Avenue.

Crater center opens in downtown Wetumpka

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A dream has come true for the Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission.

A visitor center has opened on Company Street to educate the public on one of the world’s best preserved marine impact craters. The center has been in the works for years, and volunteers have diligently told the crater’s story through lectures, tours and art work. Now, much of the information is in one place — the Wetumpka Impact Crater Discovery and Visitor Center.

Crater commission board member Kevin Reuter said the center is a partnership with the City of Wetumpka and Elmore County. The city’s new tourism department will be located in the center once the position is filled.

But instead of waiting, the commission wanted to open the center on a limited basis.

Volunteers joined Reuter Saturday to work out a few kinks in technology in the center to cycle through videos on the crater on a large screen television. It will aid everyone in telling the story of the crater.

“This is a moment for me,” Reuter said. “I finally got the videos to work. I put them all on a flash drive and it's working. I was curious how this was going to behave going from one video to another.”

Everyone got acclimated to telling the story and answering questions about the crater. Usually, it starts with understanding how much visitors know about the crater itself. THat allows volunteers to gauge

WATER

Continued from A1

leak somewhere,” CEWSA wrote. “Turn the water off until you can get it repaired.” Families have told The

what to share.

“Most know very little about it,” Reuter said. “For many it’s in their backyard and they don’t really know anything other than there is a ridge here.”

The crater was formed about 85 million years ago when the area around Wetumpka was about 100 feet under water from the oceans. A meteor about the size of a college football stadium struck, sinking into the earth. The rebound caused the 4.7 mile rim that is visible today. Downtown Wetumpka is on part of the rim. Parts of the crater can be seen in the Coosa River from the Bibb Graves Bridge with layers of rock pointing up towards downtown and the top of the rim of the crater. Inside the center visitors can find panels with descriptions, artist conceptions of life in the area 85 million years ago, a black marble

Wetumpka Herald as late as Wednesday water was not available to inmates when the water pressure was low, even with meals, and they had to purchase bottled water. They said toilets were also unusable during this time. ADOC

model of the crater and rock from the crater.

“It is one of the best preserved marine craters on earth,” Reuter said. “It is one of the things that makes Wetumpka unique.”

The center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Crater tours will be hosted next month, starting with a lecture by geologist Dr. David King who confirmed the presence of the marine crater in Wetumpka more than 20 years ago. King will speak at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. Tours will leave from Trinity Episcopal Church and take registered guests on tours of the crater pointing out locations such as The Cliffs. Costs are $25 for adults and $15 for students. Reservations can be made by calling 334-567-4637. King’s presentation is free of charge.

said that was not the case.

“Bottled water was brought in for drinking and collected water [like rain barrels] was used for sanitation,” Betts said. As of Monday, the water issue had returned to normal, according to ADOC.

Betts noted the water issue is a “fluid situation” though.

“ADOC maintenance is working around the clock to ensure all facilities have adequate heat and water throughout this severe cold weather,” Betts said.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE TPI

The new Wetumpka Impact Discovery and Visitor Center on Company Street in downtown Wetumpka is now open.The center features paintings, videos and volunteers with information about the marine impact crater in the area.

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Understand responsibility before adopting a pet

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

February is Responsible Pet Ownership Month. Below are many guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org).

Pets enhance our human lives in so many ways and we owe it to them to ensure they can live their best lives with us in return. So before taking on a new pet, please make sure that you are ready for all the responsibilities that entails – not only to the pet, but to your family and your community:

• Selecting a pet that is suited to your home and lifestyle and avoiding impulsive decisions.

• Recognizing owning a pet(s) requires an investment of time, space and money.

• Committing to the lifelong care and well-being of your pet.

• Keeping only the type and number of pets for which you can provide an appropriate and safe environment. This includes appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship.

• Animals that spend extended periods of time outside require

habitats that protect their health, safety, and welfare. Outdoor confinement of an animal should include provisions to minimize distress or discomfort to the animal, allow them the space/exercise their species needs to thrive, and assure access to appropriate food, water, and shelter from extreme weather conditions.

• Ensuring pets are properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and that their registration information in the associated databases is kept up-to-date

• Adhering to local ordinances, including licensing and leash/containment/fencing requirements.

• Helping to manage overpopulation by controlling your pet’s reproduction (think spay/neuter for the vast majority) so as to not have unwanted litters.

• Establishing and maintaining a quality veterinarian-client-patient relationship.

• Providing preventive (e.g., vaccinations, parasite control) and therapeutic health care for the life of your pet(s) in consultation with, and as recommended by, your veterinarian.

• Socialization and appropriate

training for your pet(s) to facilitate their well-being and the well-being of other animals and people.

• Preventing your pet(s) from negatively impacting other people, animals and the environment. This includes proper waste disposal, noise control, and not allowing pet(s) to stray.

• Providing exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to your pet(s)’ age, breed, and health status.

• Including your pets in your planning for an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit.

• Making arrangements for the care of your pet when or if you are unable to do so.

• Recognizing declines in your pet’s quality of life and making decisions in consultation with your veterinarian regarding appropriate end-of-life care (e.g., palliative care, hospice, euthanasia). Make that final decision for your pet with their quality of life at the forefront.

Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.

Noodle is a 2-year-old mix who weighs about 27 pounds. He was found as a stray and brought to us. He is good with other dogs but we have not yet checked with cats. He is a fun-loving boy with a big bark he lives to use. He is active and would benefit from good daily exercise.

The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay

Community Jfosyita(

805 Friendship Road - Tallassee, AL 36078

Gastroenterology

334-283-8662

Thomas Bianchi, MD

Mon - Thu 8:00am - 4:00pm Pediatrics 334-283-3111

Adrienne Bolan Goggans, CPNP

or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.

(334)-283-6541

Mon -Thu 8:00am -4:30pm Fri 8:00am - Noon Podiatry 334-283-3897

Chanda Houts, DPM

Mon - Thu 8:00am - 4:30pm Fri 8:00am - Noon General Surgery 334-283-3896

Michael Courtney, MD

Mon -Thu 8:00am -5:00pm Fri 8:00am -Noon

Community Medical Arts (Newborn -Adult)

334-283-3111

Van Millin, MD - Family Medicine

Adrienne Bolan Goggans, CPNP

DeRay Williams, CRNP

Mon -Thu 8:00am -4:30pm; Fri 8:00am- Noon

Tallassee Family Care (Ages 18 -Adult) 334-283-3477

John Porter, MD - Internal Medicine

Zane Kelly, CRNP

Mon & Tue 8:00am -7:00pm

Wed & Thu 8:00am -6:00pm; Closed on Friday �--

Tallassee Internal Medicine Ages 18 -Adult)

-334-283-3844

-.·��Vasant Temull, MD - Internal Medicine

8:00am -4:30pm; Fri 8:00am -11:30am

& Surgical Center (Ages 12 -Adult)

tQ�er(9l!arcoo, DO - Family Medicine

I

Candace Mangum, CRNP l I -� Mon -1 Thu-t7:30am -4:30pm; Fri 7:30am -11:00am

Pet of the Week - Noodle

Kenneth Boone, Chairman

Tippy Hunter, General Manager

Lizi Arbogast Gwin, Managing Editor

Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

Page A4 • January 31, 2024

The Wetumpka Word

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

One moment can change your entire life

This week was one of reflection and nostalgia for me. Between the court case for Mitch Sneed and being just a few short weeks from the anniversary of when my life changed forever, it felt necessary to take some time to look back on what brought me to Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Simple thinking will be death of us

Have you noticed how there doesn’t seem to be a lot of common sense around anymore? And if you go a step up from common sense, you’ll see wisdom is in even shorter supply. Everywhere you look people are making bad decisions, so I’m thinking maybe I can get on the other side of this societal mess before it takes me down too, by studying up on what makes one wise.

Lately, my studies in the pursuit of wisdom have reminded me of the election year we’ve just entered. I used to enjoy politics and looked forward to an election year. I watched the debates, if there was one. I dug into what the candidates stood for. Now, the whole thing just makes me groan. The politicking never ends anymore. It’s like we elect people to do a job and all they do is keep trying to get elected again. The other cause of my groaning is the mockery our election processes have become.

One of my primary sources for learning about wisdom is the book of Proverbs. Proverbs refers a lot to a group of people it calls mockers, and reading about mockers makes me think of politicians. Some politicians are more blatant with the

What’s

your

mockery than others. They either aren’t as skilled at disguising their mockery or don’t care, but they pretty much all seem to do it these days. And unfortunately, we are feeding the process. Our society is drawn to mockery. It’s entertainment. It’s … inspiration. Despite what we say, we enjoy watching the candidates go at it when our guy or girl gets the best of the opponent. It fires us up. We believe them. We trust them. We want to see them win. Even if we don’t understand the impact of the policies they want to implement.

But more than once Proverbs equates mockers with fools. We tend to think of fools as ignorant and dumb, but that isn’t the case here. Mockers can be educated, well-connected and sophisticated people. In reality, they are also prideful, opinionated, and egotistical. They stir up conflict and division everywhere they go. They rant and insult. More often than not, they tend to be leaders or ringleaders. So

Opinion?

We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the community for free. You may submit one letter to the editor per month (300 words or less) and/or a guest column (500 words or less). Include name, address and phone number. We reserve the right to refuse any submissions. Mail: Your View, The Wetumpka Herald 127 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 E-mail: editorelmore@thewetumpkaherald.com

Obituaries: 25 cents per word with a $15 charge for picture per paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals. Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 25 cents per word and $15 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald or The Tribune.

We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all.

The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription with a 30-day notice. The notice can be mailed to the subscriber, or by notice in the newspaper itself. To subscribe or if you missed your paper, call Erin Burton or Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.

The Wetumpka Herald is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281

I haven’t opened up much about the reasons I left Pennsylvania, but to be honest, my life was completely falling apart and I thought I was running away. Little did I know, I was running home for the first time ever.

On Feb. 12, 2017, the trajectory of my life changed forever. I was just four months from being married and I had the two most amazing stepkids you could ask for. We had just bought a house, and I was very fulfilled at work. Everything was going great — at least from the outside.

But Feb. 12 was the straw that broke the camel’s back, and quite nearly broke me.

My fiance called off the wedding.

I was left with nowhere to go and very little money to work with as I had paid for almost the entire ceremony. I found myself coming out of what I didn’t realize was a very controlling relationship, so I also had almost no friends still by my side. My work family was all I had to lean on.

Until one day, I got a call from an angel without wings: Mitch Sneed.

I vividly remember doing a phone “interview” with him, but as most things went with Mitch, it turned into an hour-long laugh fest about our shared love of sports. I remember pacing up and down my hotel room, where I was living at the time, just belly laughing with him. Ironically, I pictured him as a tall stringbean-type fellow. If you knew Mitch, he was the exact opposite — more of a Santa Claus kinda guy.

I vividly remember doing a phone “interview” with him, but as most things went with Mitch, it turned into an hour-long laugh fest about our shared love of sports. I remember pacing up and down my hotel room, where I was living at the time, just belly laughing with him. Ironically, I pictured him as a tall stringbean-type fellow. If you knew Mitch, he was the exact opposite — more of a Santa Claus kinda guy.

When I came to Lake Martin to interview, I had no idea what to expect. I was reeling from my recent breakup, but also knew I had to impress. With Mitch, it was so easy. It never felt like an interview. He took me to Kowaliga Restaurant and we ate that giant tower of onion rings. He sent me hiking to the Smith Mountain Fire Tower and around Wind Creek State Park. I’ll never forget when he took me to the lighthouse at Children’s Harbor. I have an affinity for lighthouses, but it was after dark and you’re not really supposed to go up there at that time. (Don’t try this at home.) Sure enough, a park ranger flashed his lights and stopped us, but as soon as his flashlight hit Mitch’s face, that ranger said, “Oh, it’s just you. You’re good to go!” I knew then what Mitch meant to this community, and I wanted to work for him. Equally as important, I wanted to serve this community that had treated me so well for two

days — especially during a time when I felt I had nothing.

When I landed back in Pennsylvania, it was in the middle of a snowstorm. I had just left two days of hiking and walking around the lake. Mitch texted me, “I’ll see you in a few weeks.”

And he was right. He knew I was going to accept, but I don’t think either of us knew how profound that decision would be in my life.

Not only did I later find out I was facing an upcoming layoff at my Gannett-owned paper, but I also managed to find my way back to that controlling boyfriend. If it weren’t for moving here and eventually seeing how much better my life could be, I truly believe I’d be living in a loveless marriage, doing my best to make it work. Mitch died just 15 months into my time here. I didn’t get enough time. But as I write now with tears streaming down my face, I know Mitch is the one who gave me all the time in the world.

Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. She can be reached via email at lizi.gwin@alexcityoutlook.com or via phone at 434-962-9420.

Dear Editor,

Generosity throughout Wetumpka contributed to a successful shoebox gift collection season at dropoff locations for the Samaritan’s Purse project Operation Christmas Child. Across the U.S., the project collected 10 million shoebox gifts in 2023. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2023, the ministry is now sending over 11.3 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Through shoeboxes — packed with fun toys, school sup -

plies, and personal care items

— Wetumpka area volunteers brought joy to children in need around the world. Each giftfilled shoebox is a tangible expression of God’s love, and it is often the first gift these children have ever received. Through the continued generosity of donors since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. Across Alabama , shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a year-round volunteer. Information about

ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/ occ or by calling 770-777-9342. Although local drop - off locations for shoebox gifts are closed until Nov. 18 – 25, 2024, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/ buildonline.

These simple gifts, packed with love, send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.

Sincerely, Jasmin Sutton Samaritan’s Purse

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

ANGELA MULLINS Columnist

Operation Christmas Child a success in Wetumpka

Black History Month begins this month

STAFF REPORTS

Staff

TPI

With the start of February, the nation begins Black History Month.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) dedicates a theme each year for the month. For 2024, the theme is African Americans and the Arts. According to ASALH, the theme focuses

on African, Caribbean and Black Americans lived experiences and how those experiences are fueled into the arts.

This includes visual and performing arts with literature, film, music, food, folklore, fashion and architecture all being a part of this year’s theme. Throughout history, African American arts have been pushed back from the spotlight or co-opted by nonBlack creators.

African American arts can be seen through the centuries with sweetgrass baskets, blues to soul to gospel music, the Black Renaissance in the 1920s, the Black Arts Movement in the 1960s, hip-hop and Afrofuturism.

More generally, Black History Month began when Black historian Carter G. Woodson and a handfull of others formed Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. In the 1920s, the now ASALH started Negro History Week.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

High school students are learning so much more today.

At the Elmore County Technical Center, medical services students are learning skills in high school their teachers didn’t learn until college and even later.

“They are getting training in skills I didn’t learn in nursing school,” instructor Lori Higgins said. “I didn’t learn to draw blood in nursing school.”

Higgins has been a nurse for 37 years. She has been teaching at the tech center for 10 years and was a school nurse for 19 years prior to that.

Higgins said the demand for medical workers has made the industry require more lower level certifications, such as patient care technician and certified clinical medical assistant.

Students learn to draw blood, give injections and conduct and read EKGs.

“It is much more advanced than a certified nursing assistant,” Higgins said.

Elmore County High School senior Jayla Brooks has always wanted to go into medicine. In two years, she has learned how to take vital signs, perform CPR and do mental health checks on the way to a PCT certification.

The ECTC medical ser-

SIMPLE

Continued from A4

who’s following these mockers?

During the 1960s Civil Rights movement, Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month.

In 1976, the president of the United States designated February as Black History Month and every president since has done the same.

In observance of Black History Month, Tallapoosa Publishers is beginning a Black History Month series highlighting Black figures in our local community and the ways the community is coming together to celebrate.

vices program helped narrow Brooks’ focus on becoming a nurse anesthetist.

“It helped find the way instead of going to college and med school with no idea,” Brooks said.

The same was true for classmate Katherine Winter. When she first started the program last school year, Winter wanted to be a dental hygienist. But she discovered a different path in the medical field.

“I knew there wasn’t a dental program, but used similar lingo and thought it would be a good way to get my foot in the door,” Winter said. “I want to be in OB now.”

Unlike Brooks who wants to be a medical doctor, Winter wants to get into imagining in an obstetrician's office.

Amy Colquitt has been teaching in the ECTC medical services program for five years. She has been a nurse for 28 years, two as school nurse at ECTC.

Colquitt has already seen the results of her work in her role as a part time registered nurse at a local hospital on the weekends.

“The last time I worked, one of my former students was working as a patient care tech,” Colquitt said. “Towards the end of my shift, another student came in working on an ambulance. He was a medic. That

The simple people. Proverbs refers to the simple as fools too. They fall in line behind the mocker and follow him or her to the ends of the earth. They are complacent and don’t want to have to learn or think through issues. They just find someone to follow and believe whatever they’re told.

Mockers prey on the simple. They count on the simple people to believe and not ask too many questions. To follow

Mitigation Braking System (CMBS). Parker Miller, a

was my full circle moment.”

Students who get one of two certifications can start working in a hospital or medical office when they graduate high school. Other students who aren’t able to get the second year of the program are quickly placed at hospitals such as Baptist and Jackson where they can complete the certification.

The program isn’t just for girls. The majority of the students are female, but Colquitt and Higgins have male students too, like Wetumpka High School junior Michael Love. His mother is a nurse and decided to enroll in the medical services program.

“I have been to her job before and seen how she works,” Love said. “I want to be a nurse practitioner.”

without looking too hard at where they’re headed. They are a match made in … Heaven?

Throw social media into the mix, and you end up with a whole society of mockers and simple people — in other words, a whole society of fools. Because it isn’t just politicians who play the mocker game. Picture the bully or mean girl from school or a movie. Now make a gazillion clones of them and give them internet access. Mockers are all over the web. And we’ve come to enjoy their insults and smart-alec remarks so much, we jump on the mockery bandwagon too. It’s more contagious than COVID in 2020. And it

personal injury and product liability attorney at Beasley Allen, said this technology uses a sensor that is placed at the bottom of the car, and it uses a camera to detect its surroundings.

If a car is approaching an object, this technology will first provide the driver with an auditory warning to begin applying brakes. According to Miller, if the car continues

Bryan Chavez is a senior at Stanhope Elmore. He likes to help people and is using the class to learn skills for that endeavor.

“If something is going wrong, I want to be able to help instead of just standing around,” Chavez said.

Colquitt and Higgins both went straight to college with the benefit of medical training in high school. They believe the program is useful no matter what path students take after they graduate.

“We felt like we were a little behind some of the students who had a background in medical science,” Colquitt said. “Those who had worked in the industry or taken a course such as this had a better background. They were a little bit ahead.”

may be just as deadly. We have to start to think for ourselves again. We have to read something besides social media posts and someone’s opinion presented as fact. We have to seek out trustworthy sources of information whether we like what it says or not. Because as a country, if we don’t wise up and kick the mocker to the curb, simple thinking will be the death of us.

Angela Mullins is the director of business & digital publishing of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. and the author of the mystery series “Working for Uncle Henry.”

accelerating, the CMBS will then apply light braking to assist with slowing the vehicle. Eventually, if the driver does not apply brakes, the CMBS is supposed to stop the vehicle before it crashes into another object, Miller said.

In Sneed’s case, he was at a stop light in his Ford F-150 at the intersection of highways 280 and 63. According to defense attorney Lanier Brown, the driver of the Honda Accord approached Sneed’s stopped vehicle at 71 miles per hour when the CMBS failed, and ultimately resulted in a rear-end collision between the two vehicles. Sneed died July 1, 2018, following injuries suffered during the crash.

A jury was struck Monday.

“Just striking the jury, you could see a lot of people knew Mitch or were at least aware of the accident,” Baker said. “I think it will just wrap it up for the entire community as well.”

Although both sides were prepared with a long list of witnesses and evidence to present, Baker said he would consider this a win.

“Well, you always prefer to make your clients happy and to get them what they need and to have some certainty in a resolution,” Baker said. “Jury verdicts are great. That’s why our country is great, but you never know what people are going to do. When you can control your outcome, it’s always better.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI

Elmore County High School senior Jaylay Brooks, left, and Holtville High School senior Sariyah Williams, right, check the vitals of ‘victim’ and Elmore County High School senior Taylor Ledbetter in the medical sciences lab at Elmore County Technical Center.

businessmen in Wetumpka. They shared ideas on things they had in common. Willis owned a cemetery and Mitchell was expanding his mortuary business to include a cemetery. They discovered a few things along the way.

“We both grew up poor,” Willis said. “But we came from two different places.”

Even with their differences, the friendship was maintained.

The conversations continued. Both worked to improve the community.

Willis chose to enter public service as Mitchell continued to serve the community

SURVIVAL

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Then, it all went black.

And it stayed that way for a long time.

Richards was one of 32 surviving victims of the April 15, 2023 mass shooting in Dadeville. She was shot in the head, and survived two other gunshot wounds as well. After being in a coma for more than two weeks, Richards knows she’s a walking miracle.

as a businessman, volunteer, church deacon and more. But Willis believes Mitchell might have missed out on public service.

“I hate politics,” Willis said jokingly. “He loved politics. He could eat and sleep politics.”

Sometimes conversations between Willis and Mitchell wandered into local politics. It was usually at Mitchell’s request to support a cause or a project in the community. It was often without much explanation.

“I didn’t always know what I was getting into,”

Willis said. “I didn’t always know what I was agreeing to, but it always worked out.”

Mitchell may not have

held an official political office, but he was active in politics, especially in Elmore County. He headed the county’s branch of the Alabama Democratic Conference.

“Because of Yancey’s efforts, we have Blacks in government in Elmore County,” ADC chair Joe Reed said. “He stood for unity.”

Reed credited Mitchell for efforts to get Black Elmore County residents into political offices.

Elmore County NAACP chair Bobby Mays and Mitchell were classmates at W.B. Doby High School.

Mays said Mitchell had an unwavering dedication to those he served. He made a positive and lasting impact

for me,” she said. But one thing that’s different between Richards and so many others affected by the shooting is she doesn’t remember it.

“I think the first shot went right into my brain, so I blacked out,” she said.

For her mom Cheryl Sledge-Richards, things are a bit different. Although she doesn’t remember every detail, she was the one who really lived through it.

“They said there was a lot of stuff I wouldn’t do,” Richards said.

When asked what was the most important thing she could do now she was told she might not be able to, she answered simply.

“Well, I lived,” Richards said with a grin.

Despite the journey Richards has been through, complete with nearly 10 surgeries with one as recently as Jan. 2, she doesn’t seem fazed as she openly discusses what happened to her.

“I’ve learned not to bring it up because it seems to bother other people more than it does

“I was reading through (on my phone) when she was in the hospital, I sent out these updates every day,” Cheryl said. “I’m looking through my phone at the things I wrote that many of them I have forgotten about. I would cry for hours after I sent these updates. True progress is not without pain, physical and emotional.”

Richards spent two full months at the Children’s Hospital at UAB, undergoing surgeries and doing rehab. Once an athletic cheerleader, there were times when Richards wasn’t expected to walk or be able to see properly. All of those things are now getting corrected. Even after she was released

on the many lives he touched

“He was a strong advocate for Wetumpka and all of Elmore County to be a place where everyone was treated fairly and equitably,” Mays said.

Many of Mitchell’s classmates shared numerous memories of him going back to before grade school. Douglas George became a master electrician and left Wetumpka, but he still admired Mitchell.

“He was a true businessman and he knew his business,” George said. “He was a mortician. He was real good at it.”

George and Mitchell shared many birthday parties as they celebrated May 2 and May 4 birthdays, respectively.

from the hospital, it didn’t mean things were immediately back to normal for Richards.

“The trend was we were having swelling in her brain,” Cheryl explained. “They put in a tube to try to relieve the pressure. It worked for a while but it was not effective to protect her from further injury. They removed a bond flap, or section of her skull, to allow her brain to swell, and she was without that from April to August, which meant she had to wear the helmet to protect her brain.”

Reintegrating has been one of the hardest parts for Richards, who has finally worked her way back onto the cheerleading squad. Part of that is because her family’s mindset has changed.

“Before there was nothing I couldn’t do and stuff like that,” Richards said. “I was hanging out with everybody, like going anywhere I wanted to and doing what I wanted. I didn’t have a strict mom.”

Mom interrupted that statement with a bit of a laugh.

“I want to clarify that is because Trinity is the most responsible child I ever had,”

CommunityCalendar

THURSDAY, FEB. 1

“We go way back,” George said. “He was just

Cheryl said. “I’ve never had any trouble with her going anywhere she wasn’t supposed to go or staying out late or anything like that. She’s a great driver and a good student, and Trin is just a sweet little girl.”

It’s not like she was ever partying, and Cheryl said there was no reason for her to be concerned about going to a Sweet 16 birthday, which is where the shooting occurred.

Richards still thinks about the shooting on a daily basis. Although she doesn’t feel many symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Cheryl did mention Richards has an innate fear of loud noises she didn’t have before.

“She went through a period in June, July where she was showing some signs of PTSD which was really bad,” Cheryl said. “Noise triggers something she’s not aware of. We went to a football game at Wetumpka and they have a cannon. She would just hear that loud noise and just become catatonic and can’t breathe.”

Nowadays she has overcome a lot of that, which she attributes much to her memory loss.

It’s the same reason she said she won’t testify in any upcoming court case, though that doesn’t keep her and her mom away from the courtroom.

They have attended every youthful offender status hearing and all other court appearances.

“We are committed to justice,” Cheryl said. “We were focused on the miracles first. We had to, you know, prioritize getting our lives back and not letting them take anything else away from us. But now we are really determined not only to have justice, but to also have the truth. It’s important to us to know and to understand why we have to be forced into this situation.”

As for Richards, she is fascinated by the process and knows it’s her story. If she had the chance, there wouldn’t be much of a conversation between Richards and those accused of shooting her.

“Oh, I have nothing to say to them,” she said pointedly. Richards is focused simply on herself and moving forward with her life — thankfully she has it to live.

Gras parade at 4 p.m. Feb. 3.

AUBURN BASKETBALL

WATCH PARTY: The Elmore County Auburn Club is hosting a watch party for the Auburn vs. Ole Miss basketball game at the Coosa River Craft House. The event will begin at 5 p.m. and will have food provided for all.

SCHOLARSHIP DINNER: The Elmore County Republican Party will host its annual scholarship dinner at 6 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer will be guest speaker. Palmer has represented Alabama’s 6th District, which includes Elmore COunty, since 2015 and currently serves as chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Cimarron will be hosting its annual Mardi Gras parade and festival in downtown Wetumpka from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 10. Tons of vendors will be featured at Gold Star Park. The parade begins at 1 p.m.

FAMILY HISTORY

SUNDAY, FEB. 4

COFFEE & CONNECTIONS: The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce will host its Rise & Shine Coffee & Connections event at the Elmore County Technical Center. It will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Feb. 1 and is an opportunity for local professionals and community leaders to connect. Coffee will be provided.

SATURDAY, FEB. 3

GALENTINE’S: Main Street

Wetumpka will host its third annual Galentine’s on Main event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb 3. Downtown merchants will be offering deals and discounts for all to enjoy. More details will be coming.

MURDER ON THE MENU: Wetumpka Civic Center will host its annual fundraiser from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Feb. 4. Murder on the Menu features top-notch mystery authors from around the country with opportunities to meet and interact with the authors. There will be raffle giveaways and books available for purchase. This year’s lineup includes S. A. Cosby, Wanda Morris, Robert Bailey, Maggie Blake Bailey, Bobby Mathews and more. Tickets are $40, which includes a catered lunch.

MONDAY, FEB. 5

WORKSHOP: The Elmore County Museum will host its third annual workshop featuring historian Dr. Marty Olliff, professional genealogists Susan Martin and Kristian Cow Cleaver and researcher Sheralyn Belyeu. Presentations include genetic genealogy; Tallassee Doughboys; beginning genealogy; and Findagrave vs. Billiongraves. There will be door prizes between each presentation. The cost is $5 per person and registration can be found online.

THURSDAY, FEB. 15

VALENTINE MARKET: The City of Wetumpka Farmers Market will be hosting a special Valentine Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 3. Interested vendors should contact dsteed@cityofwetumpka.com or call 334-567-5147.

PAINT THE PARK: The 10th annual Paint the Park for Jody will be held at 9 a.m. Feb. 3 at Gold Star Park in downtown Wetumpka. Proceeds benefit the Jody Marie Sanford Memorial Scholarship Fund. Jody was a track and field star at Wetumpka High School who died Feb. 2, 2014. Registration is $10 before Jan. 22 or $20 after. Same-day registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

GRAND OPENING: Talisi This and That will host its grand opening from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 3. Great deals will be featured. Talisi This and That is located at 229 Main St. in Tallassee.

MARDI GRAS PARADE: The Millbrook Revelers Mardi Festival and Parade will be held at noon Jan. 27. The festival begins at 9 a.m. on the Village Green. The parade will travel Main Street.

MARDI GRAS PARADE: Holtville will host its annual Mardi

WATERCOLOR CLASS: The Art Mill in Millbrook is hosting Carol Barksdale for an intermediate watercolor painting class from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26. The four classes build off each other and must be taken together. Techniques discussed will include washes, wetin-wet and dry-brush, along with color mixing and composition. Preregistration and payment 0f $100 is required by emailing danae.morgan@cityofmillbrook-al.gov.

THURSDAY, FEB. 8

GALENTINE’S EVENT: Sistrunk will be hosting a Galentine’s event from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 8 with items available from Sistrunk, All Things Desired, Handmade by Leigh Anne, Plunder, Posh, Lissa Ledbetter, Council Rock Creations, Chloebug Creations and more. Grove Station will be open for dinner. There will be treats for guests to enjoy.

ACRYLIC PAINTING: Shirley

Esco is teaching an introductory course in acrylic painting from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 8 at The Art Mill in Millbrook. All skill levels are welcomed and supplies are provided. The cost is $45. To register email danae.morgan@cityofmillbrook-al. gov.

SATURDAY, FEB. 10

MARDI GRAS: The Order of

ACRYLIC PAINTING: Shirley Esco is teaching an introductory course in acrylic painting from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at The Art Mill in Millbrook. All skill levels are welcomed and supplies are provided. The cost is $45. To register email danae.morgan@cityofmillbrook-al.gov.

THURSDAY, FEB. 15 - MARCH 2 SPAMALOT: The Wetumpka Depot Players are performing Monty Python’s Spamalot at 7 p.m. Feb. 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, March 1 and 2. There is a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Feb. 25. The comedy is based on the 1975 film and adapted for the stage. Tickets can be purchased at https://app.arts-people.com/index. php?ticketing=wdp

SATURDAY, FEB. 17

LIVING HISTORY SATURDAY: Ft. Toulouse-Ft. Jackson is hosting demonstrations of how people lived in the area as settlers began to arrive on Saturday, Feb. 17. WOMEN’S WORKSHOP: Coosa Jiu Jitsu & Wellness will be hosting an Intentionally Forward Women’s Workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 17 in Wetumpka. The cost is $95 before Feb. 2 and $145 after. Workshop highlights include self defense; cultivating a healthy self-relationship; guided self-reflection activities; and a floral design workshop. To purchase tickets, visit www.stackedintent. com.

that guy. He was a role model for us, even back in the day when we were young.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

Many speakers, pastors and family spoke at the funeral service for Yancey Mitchell III. Mitchell founded Hillside Memorial and Gardens in Wetumpka in 1994.

You are beautifully and wonderfully made

RMELINDA BLAIR Columnist

contestant quickly captured numerous hearts. The lovely girl has a speech impediment and it held her captive for many years, but like with me and my stutter, she’s learned to use it as a blessing. She’s an overcomer who now writes songs and sings professionally, and like most people who stutter, she sings fluently. We all have a handicap of some sort, but if we allow God to use it, He can turn it into a power tool. If God called me today and asked if I wanted to quit stuttering, I’d say, “No, because a ‘Yes’ would be saying You messed up when You made me, and You didn’t!” He didn’t mess up when He made you, either!

BETHLEHEM EAST

BAPTIST CHURCH

Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.

CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.

Handicaps aren’t always visible, especially when they’re emotional or spiritual ones, and I believe the ones we

cannot see are more likely to hold us captive, because we may desperately hope nobody ever discovers them. When I worked in the schools with special needs students, our speech therapist occasionally invited me to the parents’ meetings to help them see that a stutter doesn’t have to hinder their child’s bright and successful future. When I finally learned to use this particular handicap in God’s honor, it became His power tool and I honestly enjoy my stutter, as strange as that may sound… like a blessing in disguise!

Church Briefs

Amanda Mammana, the young lady on AGT, sang a powerful song she wrote and some of the lyrics are, “I still remember that kid afraid to open the door. Now she’s grown and she doesn’t keep that fear anymore. It was kept in a box and locked. She held the key and the box is locked and the key’s nowhere to be seen. What if I could go back in time and change the way I felt about my life, but then would I still have inside everything that brought me back to life. I still remember that kid wanting to be more,

Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ETUMC’s Rivers Edge Flea Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blan-

kets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the

church website at http:// epiphanytallassee.org/

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in

but now she knows she’s worth more than she’s been told.”

Amanda brought me to tears when she sang, and I hope you, too, will find your strength and show the world your incredible abilities, no matter what you’ve been told and/or previously believed about yourself. We are fearfully and wonderfully made and His works are marvelous! Psalm 139:14

Melinda Blair is a religion columnist for Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-283-2195. FUMC

Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.” OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www.wacqradio. com. Please share

Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com

Wetumpka baseball focusing on defense

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The faces change each year, but Wetumpka’s philosophy remains the same on the baseball diamond.

Wetumpka enters the 2024 season with plenty of new faces on the mound and throughout the lineup. The Indians lost two Division I baseball players in shortstop Ty Brooks and pitcher Jaxon

Shineflew, both now at South Alabama, along with multiple other starters who are now playing a sport at the college level.

But no matter who is in the lineup, the goal stays the same.

“The success for our season is determined by getting to the playoffs,” Wetumpka coach Michael Dismukes said. “That’s everybody’s goal every year. If we can

Holtville hires Cory Lee as head football coach

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Holtville has found its next head football coach.

The Elmore County Board of Education approved Prattville alum Cory Lee to be the Bulldogs’ next coach and athletic director. Lee will replace Jason Franklin, who retired after leading Holtville the last seven seasons.

This will be Lee’s first head coaching job.

“I’ve known from early in my career that I wanted to strive to be a head coach,” Lee said. “Looking at Holtville from the outside, there are a lot of positives about this job. There are some things here in Holtville that I think make it a hidden gem. I really think we can come

continue to string playoff appearances together like we have, we’re giving ourselves a chance to make a run at the championship.”

Despite the prominent players gone, Wetumpka still returns plenty of talent to its lineup. Five players are back including senior outfielder and pitcher Caden Wooldridge, a Montevallo signee.

BASEBALL, Page B2 See HOLTVILLE, Page B2

Edgewood Academy girls ride win streak into playoffs

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Edgewood Academy’s girls basketball team is entering the postseason on quite the high note.

The Wildcats wrapped up the regular season last week and now enter the playoffs as a No. 1 seed in the AISA Class AA bracket.

Edgewood, which fought through the injury bug with over half of their starters at various points of the year, is now seemingly fully healthy. While that’s been the case, Edgewood has started cruising through its schedule, winning nine straight to end the regular season.

The Wildcats (25-3) have won 23 of their last

24 games. In their last nine games, the Wildcats have won six by 20 points or more.

“We’re finally mostly healthy and overall, we’re starting to gel,” Edgewood coach Brad Starks said. “That’s a good thing to happen at this point of the year. Now that we have everyone back, they’re settling in their roles and playing well. Now we have until next week to figure things out and work on ourselves for the Elite Eight game.”

Edgewood is one win away from the Final Four and playing in the Cramton Bowl. To get there, Edgewood has

See ACADEMY, Page B2

MR. 300

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Kelvin Stokes’ path to 300 wins has been a long and gratifying trip.

Stokes, who has been the Stanhope Elmore girls basketball coach since 2011, recently earned the 300th win of his coaching career. Over the last 19 years, Stokes has coached at Robert E. Lee, Brewbaker Tech and Stanhope Elmore while accumulating a record of 304-204.

He’s currently 197-150 in 14 seasons at Stanhope, including one year of coaching the boys team.

“Reaching that milestone is an honor and it makes me feel good knowing I can see my self-worth at the end with the wins,” Stokes said. “It means a whole lot. You put your heart and effort and time into your craft and it’s a great accomplishment. It’s gratifying to look back and see how many wins you do as well as just being a great mentor and advisor for the children.”

It’s even more gratifying for Stokes, who never took the easy way out. In his coaching career, he was never one to chase winning programs or pad his schedule with easy

wins.

Instead, he built programs from the ground up. And that started in 2005 when he took over at Robert E. Lee.

Originally hired to help coach football, Stokes was approached about trying to build the basketball program from scratch. Stokes never shies away from a challenge, so he accepted it and instilled his discipline and infrastructure. In his first season, he went 9-12 overall. The team’s rocky start turned into kids buying into the program, and his team improved every season he was the coach there.

The next two seasons, he went 18-7 and 21-8. Following three years with Lee, he took the head coaching job at Brewbaker Tech, which had never had a winning season. At his first tryout, he had only nine girls show up to play. That team went on to finish 9-13.

His second season however, he went 24-8 and in his third season, he reached the pinnacle of high school basketball. He led Brewbaker Tech to a 26-6 record and the Class 4A state championship, the first team title in school history.

Even more impressive is the fact he did so without

a gym. His team drove around the city of Montgomery trying to find places to practice. Sometimes that meant practicing at the Boys & Girls Club, or at Southlawn Middle School.

Most of the time, his team would just practice outside on the concrete.

“Talk about a challenge with Brew Tech,” Stokes said. “To win that championship without a gym to even practice in, at the time, it was remarkable with the way we did it.”

After winning the state championship, Stokes was let go by Brewbaker Tech.

Shortly after, he got a call from Stanhope Elmore’s Jeff Foshee who asked Stokes to try to rejuvenate the girls program.

The Stanhope Elmore girls program was in rough shape, much like the two programs he had turned into winners in just the last six years. So for Foshee, it was an easy decision to hand the keys to Stokes.

“Stanhope Elmore opened their arms and gave me a major welcome here,” Stokes said. “They understand and they know what it takes to build a program.”

Even more so for Stokes

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

Cory Lee, middle, was hired as Holtville’s next head football coach and athletic director. This is Lee’s first head coaching job after spending the last eight seasons as a defensive coordinator at various programs.

WIN Continued from B1

was finally having an actual gym he could call his own.

Stanhope Elmore had just built its new gym in 2010, and he was hired before the 2011-2012 season.

“I was in basketball heaven when that happened,” Stokes said. “I went from not having a gym to getting keys and even an office in my own gym. I didn’t have to carry basketballs in the trunk of my car every day trying to find somewhere to practice. I was excited for all the opportunities they offered me.”

Stokes immediately implemented his three-ingredient system of success.

Those three ingredients are discipline, structure and love.

He knows he has to put discipline and structure into the programs early and develop a consistent program where standards have to be met, but he also knows he has to show the girls he cares about them. With all the ups-and-downs, having a consistent base of all three ingredients is the key to his program.

His first season with Stanhope went just like his first two programs did as he finished with a 10-12 record. But then he led the Mustangs to four straight winning records, including an 18-9 record in 2015.

In his 13 seasons leading the Mustangs, he has only had four losing records and that was the 10-12 record he had in his first season and in 2017.

He’s reached the 20-win mark once, and his current team is out to a 14-6 record as postseason play draws near.

“I hang my hat on the fact that every program I’ve gone to, they weren’t successful in terms of winning games when I got there,” Stokes said. “I’ve always considered myself to be a brick mason. When I think about my programs and accomplishments, I want to build a foundation, brick by brick, and leave the programs better than I found them.”

ACADEMY

Continued from B1

to win one final game at home Friday. The Wildcats’ opponent has not been decided yet.

The plus for Edgewood is the fact that the Wildcats are undefeated in their own gym. Edgewood is 11-0 at home this season, with 10 of those wins coming by double digits. The only game Edgewood did not win by 10 points or more was a ninepoint defeat of Fort Dale Academy.

The home win streak doesn’t just date back to this year, however.

Edgewood’s last home loss came in December 2021.

“Getting a win or go home situation in the comfort of your own gym is really nice,” Starks said. “You spend hours every single day there and you know every single in-and-out of your gym. We get that game where you’re comfortable and we’re hoping to have a decent crowd here. It’s exciting.”

Even with the injury issues, Edgewood has been a talented team all season. But now it’s the playoffs, and there isn’t another team in the postseason, no matter what classification, that has as much postseason experience as Edgewood.

Seniors Lindsey Brown and Madison Martin are just two of the players who have started and played in every postseason game the last two seasons, and they’ve been quite successful in the process as they’ve gone 5-0 at the Cramton Bowl and won back-to-back Class AA state championships.

“Experience is so important in this part of the season,” Starks said. “When you get into the environment of the Cramton Bowl, you’re playing in a different environment. The depth perception of the court is different and the excitement of it can mess with teams. To have girls who understand that situation gives us a chance to be successful.”

Continued from B1

in and build off of what coach Franklin did in his time here and take it to the next level.”

For Lee, this is a return back home. Lee is originally from Prattville, and was a standout football player for the Lions before playing college football at Southern Illinois.

Following his college career, he and his wife bought their first house in Holtville as he returned to coach linebackers for Prattville in 2015.

“It’s really kind of gone full circle,” Lee said. “Coming home was a big part of my interest in the job. We’ve been around the state and in my time there, we really felt we

Edgewood boys win area championship

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The road to the AISA Class AA state championship runs through Edgewood Academy.

With a 59-56 win over Hooper Academy on Tuesday night, Edgewood’s boys basketball team has officially clinched the area championship and a No. 1 seed in the playoffs.

The Wildcats are now 3-0 in the area while Hooper is 1-3 and Autauga Academy is 1-2 with one game left against Edgewood.

“This was the most important area win of the three we’ve won,” Wildcats coach Scott Phillips said. “The way we fought and the way we won that game, it was huge to go ahead and get that win under our belts and now we’re the champions and we know where we sit in the postseason. That makes a huge difference.”

The way Edgewood won the game was even more important than the win. The Wildcats trailed Hooper, and former coach Darryl Free, by nine points midway through the fourth quarter, but they cut the lead down to only three points in the final minute.

Edgewood took possession in the final minute, down 56-53, and drew up quite the play. Prescott Bonner had the ball and tried to drive left but was cut off. He turned around and found Brody Whitt heading towards the middle of the court. Whitt caught the ball, took two steps around a dribble and took a shot 3 feet behind the 3-point line.

The ball went straight through the net and tied the game right at the 30-second mark.

Whitt and his team celebrated briefly, then hurried back to defense.

Playing in zone defense, Edgewood senior Johnny Groves cut off a pass to the corner and knocked it to himself. He quickly regained control and headed to the basket. He was fouled on his layup

BASEBALL

Continued from B1

He will be a dominant left-handed pitcher and hitter. Joining him throughout the lineup is second baseman Mason Fuller, who hit .323 with 20 hits as a sophomore last season.

Catcher Logan Fawcett is also expected to have a big year as he batted .347 as a freshman with only five strikeouts.

“Logan is well capable of being a guy that gets pitched around this year,” Dismukes said. “He is well capable of having that year for us. He’s a big strong kid just as a sophomore.”

Joining Fuller in the middle infield is Noah Golson, who played third base for the Indians last year. He is moving back to shortstop where he has played his entire life up until last spring.

missed out on family time. We just made the decision that we wanted to come back to the area and come home.”

Whether close to home or far away, Lee has had plenty of success as a defensive coordinator. Following his one season as the linebackers coach at Prattville, he took a job as the strength and conditioning coach and defensive coordinator at Baldwin County. He spent four seasons (2016-2019) with the Tigers and helped lead them to a 22-18 record with strong defensive play. In the 2017 and 2018 seasons, his defense allowed 18.5 and 15 points per game, respectively. After four seasons on the coast, he was hired as Pinson Valley’s defensive coordinator and helped lead the Indians

attempt and made the shot then sank the extra free throw to give Edgewood a 59-56 lead with nine seconds left.

“I think it was a really big moment, and it was huge for Brody,” Phillips said. “He had struggled early in the game and he’s taken some lumps at times this year. I think that one shot right there sparked him. He instantly had a smile on his face and it sparked the defense. He went back and started slapping the floor, wanting them to come towards him.”

The come-from-behind wins have become usual for Edgewood in the second half of its season.

To open 2024, Edgewood hosted Autauga for its first area contest. In that game, Edgewood trailed by seven points with just over a minute left before the Wildcats stormed back to win in overtime. Then last week, in a win over Evangel Christian Academy on the road, Edgewood trailed by 13 points in the fourth quarter before storming back to win, 45-42.

Edgewood is 4-3 since the Christmas break, and three of the four wins have come after the

Jacob Smith is another senior Dismukes expects to play a big role in the everyday lineup.

On the mound, Wooldridge will likely serve as Wetumpka’s ace. Sophomore lefty Asher Nobles will play a big role after starting multiple games on the mound as a freshman, and Will Robertson will mix in a right handed arm to throw teams off from the usual lefty.

“We have a few newcomers on the mound, but there’s some experience that we’re going to lean heavy on,” Dismukes said. “I’m really excited about this team. It’s a different dynamic than it’s been in the past but it’s a fun group to work with.”

With Shineflew on the mound capable of winning any game he pitches, the Indians will go back to its roots and rely on their philosophy of defending the baseball at a high level.

Every game will be detail ori-

to a 12-2 overall record and the AHSAA Class 6A state championship. His defense that season allowed 16.1 points per game, then allowed just 8.2 points per game in the postseason.

After one season with the Indians, he returned home. He took the job as Prattville’s defensive coordinator for the 2021 and 2022 football seasons and the Lions’ defense held opponents to 19.3 and 22.3 ppg during his two years. The Lions went 13-8 and had one playoff appearance.

After two seasons, he made the move to Pike Road, continuing as a DC, this past season where he helped lead the Patriots to an 11-3 record and the third round of the 6A playoffs.

Wildcats trailed by seven points or more in the fourth quarter.

“I think it goes to these kids,” Phillips said. “Having seniors help, and they understand what it takes to win. They have a state championship under their belt so they know how to fight. I think the kids enjoy the type of game we play, and we always have a chance to come back and win.”

Now with the area championship in hand, Edgewood controls its own destiny en route to defending its state championship. As the No. 1 seed, Edgewood automatically qualifies for the Elite Eight by earning a first-round bye.

The Wildcats will host the quarterfinals then head to the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery for the Final Four, should they advance.

“We get a home game in the playoffs which is huge,” Phillips said. “I think that changes the mindset of the guys. You don’t really think about it right now, but we’re 32 minutes from the Final Four right now. I’m not relaxed but I’m better knowing that we have our spot secured. We control this thing now. Everybody has to come through us.”

ented and if his team can maintain the ball on defense, Dismukes’ team will be fine.

“We don’t lack in talent, but we have to earn the experience on the mound,” Dismukes said. “If we can defend the baseball and give them a chance, we’re going to be in a lot of baseball games.”

Being in games is one thing, but successful teams have to win two out of three games to keep their seasons alive when area play and postseason play begins.

“We have to get in and take care of business day in and day out so we’re ready for that moment when the time arrives,” Dismukes said. “Can we win two out of three against the competition we have to play? That’s the question for us. I don’t care if we’re 5-25 as long as we can win two of three when it matters. We have to get ready for those games.”

“We’re going to be tough, disciplined and physical, especially on the defensive side of the ball,” Lee said. “Something I’ve always hung my hat on is that if you run to the ball and you show up physically when you get there, good things happen. That’s the approach we’re going to bring to the entire team. We want to be physical and want to be tough.”

The Holtville team he is taking over will have lots of talent returning. Holtville finished this season with a 7-4 record and a playoff appearance. In the last seven years, the Bulldogs have made the playoffs six times and had a winning record four times. Holtville will return quarterback Keiland Baker, who earned All-State honors as a

sophomore. On the defense, which is Lee’s specialty, Holtville has two of the best players in the county returning next season.

On the defensive line is rising senior Anthony Chunn who recorded 18 tackles for loss and 12 sacks last year. In the secondary is Cedrick Croskey who intercepted a teamhigh three passes and forced three fumbles to go with 53 tackles.

“I know we will have some very athletic players,” Lee said. “There’s a good core of players coming back. It’s not like we’re starting over. We have six or so starters coming back on both sides of the ball, so that’s exciting. That experience makes a difference when it comes to close games.”

HOLTVILLE

Edgewood Academy’s Brody Whitt (14) hit a 3-pointer to tie the game against Hooper Academy last week. His game-tying shot helped Edgewood beat Hooper, and win the area championship.

RIVALS FACE OFF IN AREA TOURNAMENT

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

For the fourth time this season, the Stanhope Elmore and Wetumpka girls will meet on the basketball court.

The two teams match up Saturday at 3 p.m. in the first round of the AHSAA Class 6A, Area 3 tournament. The tournament is held at No. 1-seed Montgomery Carver.

Stanhope is the 2-seed while Wetumpka earned No. 3. The winner advances to the area championship while the loser’s season is over.

The Mustangs are 3-0 against Wetumpka this year with all three games coming in dominant fashion. Stanhope won, 59-41, in the county tournament championship then knocked off Wetumpka 61-38 and 63-41 in the two area games.

“We have to make the right adjustments,” Wetumpka coach Harriet Winchester said. “Stanhope has a lot of experience and that’s something you really can’t teach, so we have to make sure we come out aggressive and do something different than the last couple of games.”

In those three games, Stanhope Elmore senior Ariel Gilchrist has

given the Indians all they can handle. She has scored in double digits each matchup and has recorded two double-doubles.

She has totaled 51 points, 22 steals and 23 assists in the three games.

“Because Ariel is kind of unpredictable, we try not to throw too much at her,” Winchester said. “We are trying to plan something to slow her down at least so she won’t be as much of a problem on Saturday.”

ELMORE COUNTY HOSTS HOLTVILLE

After splitting the regular season series, the Bulldogs and Panthers meet once again this year. Elmore County won the infamous coin toss that splits area tiebreakers so the Panthers will play host to Holtville on Monday at 5 p.m.

The two teams both went 1-3 in AHSAA Class 5A, Area 6. Both teams were swept by No. 1 seed Marbury and split their series.

In the first game of the series, Holtville held on to a 38-33 win over the Panthers on the road.

Four days later, Elmore County hit the road and re-paid the favor by winning, 32-22. Holtville’s offense has hit

See RIVALS, Page B4

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Holtville boys basketball team is starting to find a little momentum.

Holtville, which has won two of its last three games, is set to host Elmore County in a winner-take-all game Tuesday at home.

The Bulldogs were winless in AHSAA Class 5A, Area 6 play following a loss to Elmore County on Jan. 19, but the Bulldogs were able to fight their way to a win last week to put the area tournament seeding to a tiebreaker.

Holtville won the coin toss, and now the Bulldogs are the No. 2 seed and hosting No. 3 Elmore County. The winner of the game advances to the championship while securing a playoff berth and the loser’s season is over.

“We’re going to have to play well,” Holtville coach Greg Parker said. “We have to limit their playmakers and try to do some different things differently. The second game we faced them, we did some of those things. But now they know us and we know them. It’s going to be a great ball game, I can tell you that.”

Holtville is sitting with a 7-13 overall record this year but has reached a late season surge. The Bulldogs knocked off Elmore County, 60-53, last week and then also scored 60 points in a win over Shelby

Elmore County’s Williams signs with Blue Mountain Christian University

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Abbi Williams is taking her versatility to the next level.

Elmore County’s star volleyball player signed her National Letter of Intent on Friday to play at Blue Mountain Christian University in Mississippi.

Williams initially reached out to BMCU first then went on a visit after some communication between the two parties. Williams didn’t always want to move away from home, but after her visit she realized it felt like a new home for her.

“This is great,” Williams said. “I’m very excited and I feel like I’ve worked extremely hard for this. I just really liked the campus and the team was really nice and I loved the coach. The team was really welcoming.”

Williams has played a variety of roles for Elmore County, mostly as a setter. She has been on the All-County list every season since she became a varsity starter in ninth grade.

During her junior year, she recorded 504 assists, 103 service aces, 252 digs, 168 kills and 8 blocks. She had a 93.5% serve percentage.

She changed roles slightly going into her senior year to

defensive specialist.

explore her abilities on defense more and she shined in whatever role she was needed to play in.

For her second straight First Team All-County season, she recorded 314 kills, 263 digs, 79 service aces, 40 blocks and 72 assists. While her assist total was the lowest of her four seasons, she still accumulated 1,000 assists in her career.

Despite that, she will not be setting in college. She has committed and is now signed as a right side hitter and defensive specialist.

“I just think I can bring a lot of hard work and dedication,” Williams said. “I’m a versatile player, but my dedication is what I can bring to them.”

The program Williams is joining is fairly new, but it’s already

accomplished. Started in 2019, BMCU has already racked up two conference championships in the Southern States Athletic Conference. After back-to-back losing records in 2019 and 2020, the team has been nothing short of stellar the last three seasons. In that time, BMCU is 90-14 overall and has won three straight SSAC conference championships, which are held at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex in Montgomery.

The last two seasons, BMCU is a combined 60-5.

“They’re a great team,” Williams said. “They’ve had a volleyball team for five years and won multiple championships already. It’s a new program but they’re already really, really good.”

County. The two wins are the first times that Holtville has scored 53 points or more in a game since Dec. 12.

They then capped off last week with a 45-35 loss to No. 1 seed Marbury, but the 10-point loss was 16 points better than the 58-32 loss they suffered in the first matchup.

“The guys are finally believing in the system and they’re playing together as one,” Parker said. “They’re playing good basketball. They knew it was going to take some time with a new coach and new system. I wanted it to happen faster than it did, but this is what’s happened. They have a shot to do something that hasn’t been done in Holtville in a long time.”

Stanhope Elmore, Wetumpka boys hit the road In the AHSAA Class 6A, Area 3 tournament held at Carver, Wetumpka and Stanhope will have to pull off an upset to keep their seasons alive.

Wetumpka enters the tournament as the No. 3 seed and will face No. 2 Sidney Lanier Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Stanhope Elmore, which is the 4-seed, faces host Carver at 7 p.m. Both teams must win their games to keep their seasons alive.

It will be a tough path for both teams. Wetumpka has faced Sidney Lanier twice

Celebrating with the girls

DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI

Elmore County senior Abbi Williams signed her National Letter of Intent with Blue Mountain Christian University. Williams is signing with the volleyball program to be a right side hitter and

Stanhope Elmore’s Ariel Gilchrist has been dominant in all three games against Wetumpka this season. The senior guard has totaled 51 points, 22 steals and 23 assists as the Mustangs are 3-0 against the Indians.

Holtville’s Braxton Gaither (1) scored 16 points in the win over Elmore County last week. Gaither and the Bulldogs will host Elmore County in the first round of the area tournament.

PHOTOS

with

Wetumpka’s Smith dominates Hornet Slam

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Noah Smith put on quite the show at Beauregard this weekend.

Smith, competing in the 132-pound weight class for Wetumpka, dominated his opponents in the Hornet Slam. The Montevallo signee took down three opponents, two of which were ranked, en route to his tournament win. He knocked off Class 5A’s No. 5 wrestler in Beauregard’s Reese Thorn, then turned around and beat No. 2-ranked Noah Guthrie from Gulf Shores in the championship.

For his commanding weekend, Smith is the Elmore County Player of the Week.

“He’s wrestling really well right now,” Wetumpka coach Josh Highland said. “He’s finally healthy and he’s hitting his stride at the right time. He beat two ranked guys in pretty dominant fashion. I was really proud of the way he wrestled.”

Smith is peaking, and now he just wants to get back to the state tournament. He missed last

year’s tournament due to missing weight, so he had to sit on the sidelines as his two teammates – Willie Cox and Christian Preston – each claimed state championships.

Smith is at the same level as them, and is ranked No. 2 in Class 6A in his weight class. So to sit on the sidelines as they earned rings, it was a humbling experience that he isn’t planning on feeling again.

“He’s not taking things for granted this year,” Highland said. “He knows he has to put in the work and this is the last shot he has. This is it for him and he’s running away with it.”

Smith is 29-2 this season and his only loss is to the No. 1-ranked wrestler in his class, Moeen Almansoob from Homewood, by a 10-5 decision back in November.

Since that match, Smith is 20-0.

“He’s going to have to avenge that early loss if he wants the championship,” Highland said. “We like the underdog mentality. That loss has fueled him and he knows he will wrestle against him two

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more times. He’s changed some things up and it’s going to be a different match.”

Wetumpka has been known the last two years for its heavyweight wrestlers, and that’s for good reason. Between the 285, 215 and 195 classes, Wetumpka’s Cox, Preston and Zach Crosthwait are a combined 97-5. They all get to wrestle against the best every day in practice, but Smith isn’t able to wrestle those guys because of the weight difference.

Instead, he’s in the lighter weight classes, helping build up the younger wrestlers and helping improve the future of the program.

He has helped train Wetumpka’s 120 and 126, Swayze Martin and Troy

Watson, both of whom are freshmen. And he has helped lead Martin to a 29-10 record while Watson has a 31-10 record.

“He’s able to anchor those guys and that’s made such a huge difference in our program,” Highland said. “Our success down there is because of the impact Noah is making.”

Smith is no stranger to pinning opponents, but he has shown he has the stamina to dominate entire matches.

Two of his wins from this past weekend’s Hornet Slam were by technical fall, which means he outscored his opponents by over 15 points and the match was called when that threshold was met.

He won, 21-5 and 23-4, both in the third period.

In fact, he has five technical fall wins in the entire season. He also has seven major decisions, which means he went the

full three periods and won by a lead of eight to 14 points.

“He is a go-getter,” Highland said. “From the beginning to the end, he is just relentless on the mat. He can go six minutes after six minutes and never seems to get tired. He leads our team in takedowns by over 20. He’ll let his opponent up and then take them down 100 times if he has to. He can score at will.”

Elmore County, Dadeville football to renew rivalry

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

One of the area’s longest rivalries is back on the football schedule.

After a two-year break, Elmore County will travel to Dadeville during Week 0 of the 2024 football season.

The two teams last met in 2021 when Dadeville won 47-7. The two teams have met 55 times since 1923 and 14 times since 2006. Dadeville owns the all-time series, 36-19.

Dadeville will travel to Elmore County in the season opener in 2025.

“This is great for both communities,” Elmore County coach Kyle Caldwell said. “We are keeping the game regional. It’s a 20-minute drive and it’s been a really competitive series over the years. Both teams are used to being playoff teams and you want your kids to play in a playoff atmosphere, even if it is at the beginning of the season.”

TUESDAY, JAN. 30

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

4 Elmore County/Carver at Wetumpka, 5 p.m.

4 Tallassee at Benjamin Russell, 5 p.m.

4 Holtville at Beauregard,TBD

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

4 Elmore County at Chilton County, 4:30 p.m.

4 Thorsby at Holtville, 4:30 p.m.

4 Wetumpka at Montgomery Academy, 6 p.m.

4 Prattville at Stanhope Elmore, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEB. 1

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

The game was a late addition to the schedule.

When it announced its schedule more than six weeks ago, Elmore County was originally slated to travel to Chelsea during Week 0. But when Dadeville came calling, it was a game Caldwell couldn’t pass up, especially when it comes to the financial benefits.

“Both communities show up to games so it’s really good for both schools,” Caldwell said. “Any games we can get that are close, region wise that are still very competitive, a lot of people want to see those and it helps both programs financially.”

For Caldwell, he will be facing his former team. Caldwell was a multi-year starter at Dadeville before enjoying an illustrious college career. He helped lead Dadeville to the playoffs multiple years, passed for more than 6,000 yards and was an All-State player.

“When I started coaching

and was at Dadeville early in my career, we played Elmore County twice then,” Caldwell said. “It definitely brings back some memories

but at the end of the day, it’s all about the kids. But it will be cool to play them. I’m sure I’ll have a lot of family there.”

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

MONDAY, FEB. 5

BASKETBALL

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL 4 Loachapoka at Elmore County, 5 p.m. Isabella at Holtville, 4:30 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER 4 Opelika at Wetumpka, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEB. 2 HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

4 Elmore County at Stanhope Elmore, 5:30 p.m. 4 Holtville at Reeltown, 5 p.m.

4 (G) Winner of Patrician/ Restoration at Edgewood Academy, TBD

4 Elmore County, Holtville at St. James, TBD 4 Tallassee at PCA, 5:30 p.m.

4 Elmore County Invitational at 17 Springs

4 (G) Stanhope Elmore vs. Benjamin Russell, 5 p.m.

4 (G) Prattville vs. Holtville, 5 p.m.

4 (B) Stanhope Elmore vs. Benjamin Russell, 6:30 p.m.

4 (B) Prattville vs. Holtville, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 3

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

4 (B) Winner of Sparta/ Southern at Edgewood Academy, TBD

4 (G) Stanhope vs. Wetumpka at Montgomery Carver, 3 p.m.

4 (G) Tallassee at Beauregard, 5 p.m.

Elmore County Invitational at 17 Springs

4 (G) Stanhope Elmore vs. Prattville, 9 a.m.

4 (G) Benjamin Russell vs. Holtville, 9 a.m.

4 (B) Stanhope Elmore vs. Prattville, 10:30 a.m.

4 (B) Benjamin Russell vs. Holtville, 10:30 a.m.

4 (G) Stanhope Elmore vs. Holtville, 12 p.m.

4 (G) Foley vs. Benjamin Russell, 12 p.m.

4 (B) Stanhope Elmore vs. Holtville, 1:30 p.m.

4 (B) Prattville vs. Benjamin Russell, 1:30 p.m

4 (G) Prattville vs. Foley, 3 p.m.

4 (B) Beauregard at Tallassee, 5 p.m.

4 (B) Wetumpka vs. Lanier at Carver, 5:30 p.m.

4 (B) Stanhope Elmore at Carver, 7 p.m.

4 (G) Holtville at Elmore County, TBD

TUESDAY, FEB. 6

4 (B) Elmore County at Holtville, TBD HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

4 (B) Lanier at Wetumpka, 5:30 p.m. 4 Pelham at Stanhope Elmore, 5:30 p.m.

RIVALS

Continued from B3 CLASH

quite the slump the last week as the Bulldogs have not scored over 23 points in any of their last three games, all of which were losses.

In that span, Holtville lost 40-23, 32-22 and 51-22.

On the other hand, Elmore County has seen its girls team win backto-back games against Holtville and Dadeville. The Panthers have been relying on their press defense along with the senior leadership of guards Emily Mason and Kyasia Brown.

Continued from B3

already this season and the Indians have yet to break 34 points in either game. Both losses were by 20 points and 22 points.

Stanhope’s path is just as tough,

but the Mustangs have already proved that they can beat Carver. In a home matchup against the Wolverines, Stanhope beat Carver, 65-54. When Stanhope hit the road for the second game, Carver won by 20 points, 73-53. The win over Carver was Stanhope’s only area win of the season.

Dadeville is coming off a 4-5 record while Elmore County went 8-3. Both teams lost in the first round of the playoffs on the road.

Elmore County has added Dadeville to its 2024 football schedule. Kyle Caldwell and the Panthers will travel to the Tigers on August 23 to start the season.

SPORTS CALENDAR

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Wetumpka’s Noah Smith, a Montevallo signee, went 3-0 and won the 132-pound championship at Beauregard’s Hornet Slam on Saturday.

Lake River & Classi eds

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WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-877-727-2344 Have zip code of service location ready when you call!

YOU MAY QUALIFY for are between 52-63 years old and under a doctor’s care for a health condition that prevents you from working for a year or more. Call now! 1-877-771-6882

EDUCATION

ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am-6pm ET).

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One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 844-322-9935.

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NEED NEW Flooring? Call Empire Today to schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting and Flooring. Call Today! 1-888-381-0916.

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Donate a car to the American Council of the Blind. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24-hour response. Running or not. maximum tax deduction and no emission test required! Call 24/7: 844-601-1342.

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VEHICLE TITLE Problems? We have a solution! Call Jason Steward Enterprises, We’re Alabama’s #1 Vehicle Title Problem Experts! Free telephone consultation. North AL 1-256-850-0527, Central AL 1-205-267-5735, South AL 1-251-342-8538.

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE.

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Gerald Watkins Jr, originally in favor of Bank of America, N.A., on April 30, 2021, said mortgage recordProbate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2021 and Page 57294; the undersigned Bank of America, N.A., as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on February 7, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, towit: Lot 18 Block B, according to the plat of Crossgate Lake Plat Number 1, as recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 10, at Page 96 and 96A. Property street address for informational purposes: 138 Lake Bend Dr, Elmore, AL 36025. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Bank of America, N.A., (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 23-07266

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 17, 24 and 31, 2024 24-00014

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that an application has been made to Council of the City of Wetumpka for approval of a 050 – Retail Beer (off premises only) and 070 – Retail Table Wine (off premises only) License for the following Trade Name: MummyEnterprises Inc. DBA Pure Gas Station Name of Applicant: Mohameed Islam Address: 8461 US HWY 231, Wetupmka, AL 36092 Public Hearing on said application has been scheduled for February 20, 2024 at 12, noon, before the Wetumpka City Council at the City Council Meeting, at the City of Wetumpka Council Chambers at 212 S. Main St., Wetumpka, AL. Anyone desiring to speak either for or against said application should appear at said time or may indicated their wishes in writing by communication addressed to the City Council, 408 South Main Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092. Persons with disabilities who may need special assistance should contact the City Clerk’s call (334) 567-1306 at least two business days in advance of the meeting. The meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible. Tiffany Robinson, City Clerk

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 APPLICATION

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following will be auctioned off by J&J Towing 334-558-1595 2012 CHRY 200-1C3CCBABXCN248458

2020 NISS Versa3N1CN8EV8LL851927

2015 NISS Versa3N1CN7AP3FL954498

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 AV/12 CHRYSLER

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE.

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Krystle A.Jackson, a married woman, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., acting solely as nominee for Guild Mortgage Company, a California Corporation, on January 17, 2019, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in the undersigned Guild Mortgage Company LLC, as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on March 14, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 20,dress for informational purpos-

Public Notices erty street address for informa-

abama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law the address indicated below. Tifright to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Guild Mortgage -

Jan. 17, 24 and 31, 2024 24-00045 PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that, Beasley Construction Services, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction of Hohenberg Field. At 401 W. Osceola Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 for the State of Alabama and the City of Wetumpka and the Elmore County Commission, Owner(s), settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Dalhoff Thomas Design Studio, 6465 Quail Hollow Road, Suite 401, Memphis, TN 38120 in writing.

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 17, 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

27, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 26, Block C, according to the Map of Brownstone Plat No. 1, as the same is recorded of of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama in Plat Book 14 at Page 62. More commonly known as: 176 Brownstone Loop, Elmore, AL 36025 This Property will be sold on as “as is, where is” basis, without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use and/or enjoyment and will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expense of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following vehicles will be auctioned off by J&J Towing 3345581595 on 3-1-24. 2013 Chry Town & Country2C4RC18G2DR619869 2008 GMC Sierra- 3GTEK13M68G119702

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24 and 31, 2024 AV/13 CHRYSLER

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Stephanie Chupka Rhodes a/k/a Stephanie C. Rhodes, unmarried woman, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Interlinc Mortgage Services, LLC, on March 2, 2020, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in Loan Services, LLC, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: map appears of record in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in -

CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage and security agreement executed by DAVID LEE

VELTJES, JR. and ASHLEY

WALKER VELTJES A/K/A

ASHLEY PENDLEY, a married couple, on the 19th day of May 2020, to 21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION, as recorded in RLPY Book 2020, Pagebate Judge of Elmore County, Alabama; 21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION, as Mortgagee, by reason of such default having declared all of the indebtedness secured by said mortgage and security agreement due and payable and such default continuing, notice is hereby given that, acting under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and security agreement, and as authorized by Section 7-9A-604(a)(2) of the Code of Alabama of 1975 as amended, 21ST MORTGAGE CORPORATION, as Mortgagee, will sell at public outcry, for cash to the highest bidder, in front of the Courthouse door, in the City of Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, during the legal hours of sale on February 14, 2024, the following described real and personal property situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at an iron pin at the NE corner of the W 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 21, T20N, R17E, Elmore County, Alabama; thence South 89 degrees 14 minutes 23 seconds West, along 1/2 section line, 1068.01 feet to an iron pin; thence South 12 degrees 13 minutes 10 seconds West 415.55 feet to an iron pin, said point being the point of beginning; thence South 08 degrees 34 minutes 01 seconds East 495.81 feet to an iron pin in the centerline of Tanner Lane, a county maintained gravel road; thence South 89 degrees 02 minutes 19 seconds West, along the centerline of said road (more or less), 210.40 feet to an iron pin; thence, leaving said road, North 01 degrees 08 minutes 01 seconds West 487.32 feet to an iron pin; thence North 87 degrees 25 minutes 09 seconds East 146.30 feet to the beginning. According to survey done November 4, 2015, by Ronald Burke, Alabama License No. 16670. The above-described property lies in the E 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 21, T20N, R17E, Elmore County, Alabama, and the South 30 feet is subject to ingress/egress & utility easement, Tanner Lane. INCLUDING a security interest in one (1) 2021 Deer Valley manufactured home, Serial No. DVAL12108878AB; together with the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto attached to and used in connection with the premises herein described. This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encum-ed in the mortgage and those contained in the records of the the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use and/or enjoyment and will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of Said sale will be made subject to any existing Federal Tax Lien, if any, and/or Special Assessments, if any, which might adversely affect the title to the subject property. Said sale will be made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by the above-described mortgage, and the proceeds thereof will be applied as provided by the terms of the said mortgage. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation; contact Margery Oglesby at the phone number shown below prior to attending the sale.

Kristofor D. Sodergren Attorney for 21st Mortgage Corporation ROSEN HARWOOD, P.A. 2200 Jack Warner Pkwy Ste 200 P.O. Box 2727 Tuscaloosa, AL 3540 (205) 344-5000 Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 17, 24 and 31, 2024 54619.821

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT AND NOTICE FOR BIDS The Marketplace at 17 Springs

Sealed bids will be received by the Elmore County Commission and City of Millbrook (“Owner”) at 100 E Commerce Street, Suite 200, Wetumpka, AL until 10 AM local time on Wednesday, February 14th for labor, equipment, materials, and any incidentals required to complete the work required under The Marketplace at 17 Springs, Bid Inquiry 2024-PW6 at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read. This bid is intended to comply with the Alabama Code Title 39, the Alabama Public Works Law. Bidders shall be required to comply with the provisions of Title 39 of

Public Notices

p the Alabama Code regardless if the requirement is explicitly detailed in the bid proposal or not. A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Elmore County Commission Alabama and City of Millbrook, Alabama in an percent of the amount of the bid, but in no more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract. Bid Documents may be obtained digitally by submitting the Bid Documentation Request Form to the Engineer. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Engineer. Neither Owner or Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other the Engineer. Bid Document Request Form can be acquired digitally by contacting the Engineer at rmedley@sain.com. All other questions related to this bid should be directed to this same email address. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Engineer or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgement, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted. All bidders are advised to carefully read the Instructions to Bidders contained in the Contract Documents, which provisions and requirements are adopted herein by reference.

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 BIDS

PUBLIC NOTICE

FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that ,Homesouth completed the Contract for RenMiddle School,at 655 Bulldog the State of Alabama and the County of Elmore Owner(s), settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Mckee and Associates, Architect / Engineer

Wetumpka Herald: COMPLETION

PUBLIC NOTICE

FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Covington Flooring Company, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for Gym Floor Replacement at Holtville High School, 23-157 at 10425 Holtville Road Deatsville, AL 36022 for the State of Alabama and the Elmore County, Deatsville City, Owner(s), and have made reContract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify McKee & Associates, Inc. 631 S. Hull Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

Covington Flooring Company, Inc. 709 1st Ave. N Birmingham, AL 35203

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2024 COMPLETION

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: DV-2023-900375.00 WILLIAM HUNT VS. MELISSA HARROD, DEFENDANT.

NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION TO: MELISSA HARROD, whose whereabouts are unknown; and, Take notice against you in the District Court of Elmore County, Alabama, in case styled, WILLIAM HUNT vs. MELISSA HARROD, Case No., DV-2023-900375.00. You mustplaint on or before fourteen (14)days from the date of the last publication of this Notice or a default judgment will be taken against you. Your answer

County Circuit Clerk, LaKeshia C.Parks, Esq., and Stewart E. Vance, Esq., Attorney for Plaintiffs, 7079 University Court, Montgomery, Alabama 36117.

Dated this 17th day of January 2024. Michael Dozier, Circuit Court Clerk, Elmore County, AL

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7 and 14, 2024 DV-2023-900375.00

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EDWARD LEONARD BLAIR, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-011 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of EDWARD LEONARD BLAIR, deceased, having been granted to AARON SCOTT BLAIR on January 19, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

AARON SCOTT BLAIR ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF EDWARD LEONARD BLAIR, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: D.JASON BRITT STONE & BRITT, LLC

ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST P O BOX 967 Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 334-517-6520

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 EST/BLAIR E.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KATHY LYNN BRANTLEY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-006 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of KATHY LYNN BRANTLEY, deceased, having been granted to DANIEL J.BRANTLEY on January 19, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

DANIEL J. BRANTLEY

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF KATHY LYNN BRANTLEY, DECEASED

Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: GERALD A. DANIEL. JR. LAW OFFICE OF G A DANIEL, JR LLC P O BOX 638 MILLBROOK. ALABAMA 36054 334-285-9444 Jerry@GADanielLaw.com

Wetumpka Hearald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024

EST/BRANTLEY, K.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JANET ANN BROWN, CASE NO: 2024-003 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JANET ANN BROWN, deceased, having been granted to ERNEST L. BAGGETT on January 12, 2024 byJohn Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

ERNEST L. BAGGETT PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JANET ANN BROWN, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for

Personal Representative: GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. LAW OFFICE OF G A DANIEL, JR. LLC PO BOX 638 MILLBROOK, ALABAMA 36054 334285-9444 Jerry@GADanielLaw. com

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 17, 24 and 31, 2024 EST/BROWN, J.

Sell your home in the classifieds call

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY A. BRYANT, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024- 007 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to WILLIAM R. BRYANT as Executor on the 18 day of January 2024, by the Honorable JOHN THORNTON, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

WILLIAM R. BRYANT

EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY A. BRYANT, DECEASED. Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024

EST/BRYANT, D.

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JACKIE R. HAMMOCK, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-013 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JACKIE R. HAMMOCK, deceased, having been granted to JANICE HAMMOCK on January 18, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

JANICE HAMMOCK PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JACKIE R. HAMMOCK, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ROBERT B. RENEAU LAW FIRM OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS. P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA. ALABAMA 36092

334-514-1011

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 EST/HAMMOCK J.

Sell your home in the classifieds call

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OFCHARLOTTE JEAN IRVINE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-292 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of CHARLOTTE JEAN IRVINE, deceased, having been granted to MARILYN SPEAKE on January 19, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

MARILYN SPEAKE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLOTTE JEAN IRVINE, DECEASED

Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: MICHAEL A. GRIGGS THE GRIGGS LAW FIRM, LLC P O BOX 780452 TALLASSEE. ALABAMA 36078-0452

334-283-2893

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024

EST/IRVINE, C.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LOUISE LONG JONES, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-325 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of LOUISE LONG JONES, deceased, having been granted to ROBERT W. JONES, III on January 9, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, novice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: KYLE C. SHIRLEY ROBERT W. JONES, III PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF LOUISE LONG JONES, DECEASED MCDOWELL, FAULK & SHIRLEY, LLC 145 WEST MAIN STREET PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36067 334-365-5924

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 17, 24 and 31, 2024

EST/JONES, III

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GREGORY WAYNE MOORE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-289 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of GREGORY WAYNE MOORE, deceased, having been granted to CARMEN KIMBRELL on January 18, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notices hereby is given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

CARMEN KIMBRELL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF GREGORY WAYNE MOORE, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: KYLE C. SHIRLEY MCDOWELL, FAULK & SHIRLEY, LLC 145 WEST MAIN STREET PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36067 334-365-5924

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7, 2024

EST/MOORE, G.

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM D.JONES, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2024-008 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: JENNIFER M. JONES, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, A NEXT OF KIN OF WILLIAM D. JONES; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF WILLIAM D. JONES, DECEASED YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on January 16, 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of WILLIAM D. JONES,bate Court of Elmore County, Al-tioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admittedsonal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of as a next-of- kin of WILLIAM D. JONES. Unless an objection to admissuch Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days notice, the Court will proceed without further notice to you. JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and Address of Attorney

709 AVENUE A

pettey@samfordlaw.com

Wetumpka Herald: EST/JONES W. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PHILLIP WAYNE NIXON, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-005 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to ELIZABETH SUSAN NIXON BARNER as Personal Representative on the day of 18th day of January 2024, by the Honorable JOHN THORNTON, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. ELIZABETH SUSAN NIXON BARNER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF PHILLIP WAYNE NIXON, DECEASED. Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 EST/NIXON, P. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA J. NOBLES, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-012 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE

TO: LINDA SELF and MARTHA GREENE, NEXT OF KIN OF BARBARA J. NOBLES, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF BARBARA J. NOBLES, DECEASED AND TO: ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on January 17. 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of BARBARA J. NOBLES,bate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by FARRAH D. SPIVEY, Petitioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and Record and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as a next-of-kin of BARBARA J. NOBLES or as an interested party. Unless an objection to admission to Probate and Record of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days oftice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition without further notice to you. JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM PO BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 EST/NOBLES B.

Do you have available jobs? Call 256.277.4219 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2021-242 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CAROL MAYRENE SCHRAM, DECEASED. NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP TO: RHONDA JEAN HOUCK BURNEY; MARTHA JEAN ROBERTS KAAPANA BARNES; JOSEPH BYRANT ROBERTS; ESTATE OF LOUISE C. ROBERTS MCDANDEL C/O GLEN A. DAVIS; ESTATE OF LOUISE C. ROBERTS MCDANDEL C/O TERESA CAROL; ESTATE OF LOUISE C.ROBERTS MCDANDEL C/O PAUL DAVIS; ESTATE OF LOUISE C. ROBERTS MCDANDEL C/O CHERYL DAVIS; ESTATE OF MARK SWEATT C/O LISA DOZIER; ESTATE OF MARK SWEATT C/O BLAKE SWEATT; JOYCE ANNETTE ROBERTS BROCK; WILLIAM TIMOTHY DUKE; TINA RENEE DUKE MONEY; JIM CHRISTOPHER MERCER; BRIAN L. FERNALD; TAWNI J.FERNALD MATCHETT; SUZANNE A. FERNALD; FRED LEON FERNALD JR.; AND, JAMES CALDERONE AND ANY OTHER UNKNOWN INDIVIDUALS OR INTERESTED PARTIES THAT MIGHT HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF CAROL MAYRENE SCHRAM, DECEASED. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 2nd day of August, 2023, a Petition to Determine Heirship regarding the Estate of Carol Mayrene Schram was

Petitioner, Garry S. McAnnally, requesting that a determination the heirs of the Estate of Caroling of the Petition to Determine Heirship is given to you as an interested party to the Estate of Carol Mayrene Schram. that said petition is set for hear-ary, 2024 at 10:00 o’clock a.m.

E.Commerce Street, Wetump-pose of hearing of said petition and the taking of testimony in support thereof. Any person interested in this matter should herein referenced date, time, and location.

JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: D.Jason Britt Stone & Britt, LLC Attorneys & Counselors at Law 114 South Main Street

Wetumpka Herald: EST/SCHRAM, C. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN T. TAYLOR, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-078 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JOHN T. TAYLOR, deceased, having been granted to JOHN HOLLIS BUCE on January 22 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. JOHN HOLLIS BUCE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN T. TAYLOR, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: PAUL DOUGLAS ESCO ATTORNEY AT LAW 2800 ZELDA ROAD; SUITE 200-7 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36106 334-8329100

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7,2024 EST/TAYLOR J. PUBLIC NOTICE DISTRICT 1 SCHOOL BOARD POSITION OPENING Mr. Dale Bain, District 1 School Board Member, announced his resignation from the Elmore County School Board. Mr. Bain’s resignation is effective February 29, 2024. The Elmore County Board of Education is actively seeking an individual living in District 1 (Millbrook area) to serve the rest of Mr. Bain’s term. If you would like to be considered for the open Board position, a letter of interest and resume must be received at Wednesday, February 14, 2024, 4:00 p.m. to Mr. Richard Dennis, Elmore County Board of Education, P.O. Box 817, Wetumpka, AL 36092. Finalists for the Board position will be interviewed during a public Work Session on Thursday, March 7, 2024. To verify your residence is in District 1, please contact Jean Czerpak at 334-567-1200.

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 2024 OPENING

DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-002 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL AND PETITION FOR PROBATE

TO: BEN SEAGROVES, PAUL LONNIE WILKERSON, AND ALL HEIRS AND NEXT OF KIN OF THOMAS C. THORNELL, DECEASED: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 9th day of January 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of THOMAS C. THORNELL, deceased, andbate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by Petitioner, ANGELIA WILSON, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This Notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as an heir at law and next of kin of THOMAS C. THORNELL. Unless an objection to admission to Probate of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court withincation of this notice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition.

JOHN THORNTON

JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner:

REGINA B. EDWARDS, ESQ. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, PC 109 East Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 17, 24 and 31, 2024

EST/THORNELL T. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WAYNE H.WILLIAMS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-329 NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES, Petitioners, LISA W. MCGLONE and JOHN H. WIL-

of WAYNE H. WILLIAMS, DECEASED, pursuant to Code of persons or interested parties

Public Notices

y on May 6, 2021, said mortgage recorded May 7, 2021, in the of Elmore County, Alabama, and, pursuant to the laws of the State of Alabama, the undersigned First Community Bank of Central Alabama, under and by virtue of the power of sale provision and other terms contained in said Mortgage, elects to declare the entire indebtedness secured by said Mortgage due and payable, and will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder, for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse of Elmore County, Alabama, at 100 E Commerce Street, Wethe legal hours of sale on February 7, 2024, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit:

2, as the same appears of re-

Said foreclosure sale and conveyance incident thereto are subject to the legal rights of any existing federal tax liens, mortgages, special assessments, easements, restrictions, and reservations appearing of re-

Public Notices

yp contained in said mortgage sell at public outcry for cash to the highest bidder during legal hours of sale, on the 28th day of February, 2024, in the city of Wetumpka, at the front door of the Court House of Elmore County, Alabama, the following described real property situated in the County of Elmore, State of Alabama, to-wit: Lot 58 of The Crossing at

JOHN THORNTON

JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA

EST/WILLIAMS, W. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: AUSTIN COOMBS ROSEMARIE COOMBS CASE No. JU-2012-411.15

JU-2012-409.15 NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS TO: SCOTT MICHAEL COOMBS (Father) You are hereby given notice thatAUSTIN COOMBS, born on August 13, 2009, atROSEMARIE COOMBS, born on February 01, 2008, at Houstonins, Georgia. You are hereby given notice

titioner’s attorney, Jonathan S. -

January 31, 2024, at 9:00 A.M. at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka, Alabama.

JU-2012-411.15 PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage executed by Tanya Renee Hooks in favor of First Community Bank of Central Alabama,

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumexist that help persons avoid or An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said Mortgage, as well

The successful bidder must tender a nonrefundable deposit of One Thousand Dollars

made payable to Memory MemAccount at the time and place purchase price must be paid in of Memory Memory & Causby, of Central Alabama reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tenCommunity Bank of Central Alabama reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured is subject to postponement or McDonough Street, Montgom-

First Community Bank of Central Alabama

Wetumpka Herald: FC/HOOKS

PUBLIC NOTICE FORECLOSURE NOTICE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness described in and secured by that certain mortgage executed by MARY E. LACY, an unmarried woman, as Mortgagor(s) to Regions Bank, as Mortgagee, dated the 24th day of April, 2007, and recorded in RLPY Book 2007, Page 41212, et seq. of the records in the Court of Elmore County, Alabama; said default continuing, notice is hereby given that the undersigned will, under and by virtue of the power of sale

County, Alabama at Plat Book 16, Pages 47 and 48. Subject to that certain mortgage dated April 24, 2007 and recorded in RLPY Book 2007, Page 41193. This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, reservations and exceptions or those contained in the reof Probate of the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as and will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. Said sale will be made for the purpose of paying said indebtedness and the expenses incident to this sale, including a reasonable attorney’s fee, and the other purposes set out in said mortgage. The sale will betion that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcytion and audit of the status of the loan with the Mortgagee. Holder of said Mortgage Goodman G. Ledyard -

Attorneys for Mortgagee

Mobile, Alabama 36616 (251)338-1300

Wetumpka Herald: FC/LACY

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on Thursday, February 15th, 2024, at 11:00am AT STORAGETREASURES.COM.

Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE.

Southeast Storage 749 US-231 Wetumpka, AL 36093

Please run this ad January 24h and January 31st 2024 editions of the Wetumpka Herald. Please let me know if I missed any deadlines or need to make any changes. Thank you.

21: Travis Shinholster. 191 Lake Legion Lane, Weetumpka, AL 36092 Contents: Boxes,totes,clothes, mattresses, dresser

652: Aaliyah Roberson. 140 Lucky Town Road, Wetumpka, AL 36025 Contents: Boxes, bed frame, sofa, dresser

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 24 and 31, 2024 STORAGE AUCTION PUBLIC NOTICE

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT P O Box 301463 (Zip 36130-1463) 1400 Coliseum Boulevard (Zip 36110-2059) Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1463 (334)271-7700 PROPOSED ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER Account No. 330

Elmore County Pursuant to the provisions of the Alabama Environmental Management Act, Ala. Code §§2222A-1 to 22-22A-16 (2006 Rplc. Vol.), the Alabama Department of Environmental Management is proposing to issue an Administrative Order to LMDC, LLC DBA Lake Martin Dock Company, owner of property located in Eclectic, Elmore County,

Public Notices y Alabama. The violations listed in the Order consist of: LMDC, LLC DBA Lake Martin Dock Company operated in a manner that violated the state regulations in relation to open burning. The Department is proposing a civil penalty in the amount of $8,000.00. The order, if issued, would require LMDC, LLC DBA Lake Martin Dock Company to comply with all applicable requirements of ADEM Administrative Code div. 335-3 immediately upon the effective date of this Order and continuing each and every day thereafter. Interested persons may submit written comments, including request for a hearing, within 30 days of the publication date of this notice, to: Alabama Department of Environmental Management Attention: Ronald W. Gore, Chief of the Air Division P.O. Box 301463 Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1463

The comment period shall end at the close of business 30 days from the publication date of this notice. A copy of the proposed order is available on the ADEM web page at http:// www.alabama.gov/compInfo/ adminOrders.cnt or may be obtained by written request to the above address. A nominal fee for copying may be charged. This notice is hereby given this 31st day of January, 2024, by authorization of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. LANCE R. LeFLEUR DIRECTOR

Nondiscrimination Statement: The Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in the administration of its programs.

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 31, 2024

MARTIN DOCK

LAKE

PUBLIC NOTICE STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression),

Public Notices (ggp) sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and comprogram or incident. Person with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 7202600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.usda. gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.

Public Notices

p() Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1)mail: U.S. Department oftant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 202509410; (2)fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3)email: program.intake@ usda.gov Central Alabama Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 31, 2024 NONDISCRIMINATION

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Community remains central as new CEO takes over

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Few changes have happened at First Community Bank of Central Alabama since its inception in 2001. But there’s been one major change recently.

At the beginning of the year, Rana Futral, a 20-year employee and Elmore County native, took over the CEO reins as Michael Morgan retired. Just because she is new in the role of CEO doesn’t mean more changes are coming at First Community Bank. Most recently she was president and chief financial officer.

“We are staying true to being a community bank,” Futral said. “We are only in Elmore and Autauga because our leadership is only living and working in Elmore and Autauga counties.”

Over the last two decades the bank has grown to eight locations across the area with 102 employees, and it’s a

place Futral knows well.

“I opened my first checking account in high school with First National Bank which is the preceding bank of First Community,” Futral said. “I knew those guys very well. My parents had their accounts there from when they were teenagers growing up in Wetumpka.”

Futral went to work for a multistate banking organization after graduating from Auburn University. She helped create insurance and real estate divisions. But the travel got in the way of raising a family.

“I started missing some things, some t-ball games and school events,” Futral said. “I said to myself, ‘I think it is time for me to settle down and come back home.’”

Since 2003, she’s called First Community Bank home.

“It was a good move,”

Futral said. “It has been very beneficial for me to work and live in the com-

Elmore County resident denied parole

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A man who pleaded guilty in 2008 to attempted murder of an Elmore County deputy sheriff was denied parole Wednesday.

Joseph Jackson Sr., 71, of Elmore, was sentenced to 22 years in prison by 19th Circuit Court Judge Bill Lewis in November 2008.

Court documents state the attempted murder charge came from a Nov. 26, 2007 incident where an Elmore County deputy sheriff observed Jackson and an automobile near a HVAC unit at an Elmore convenience store. Three occupants of the vehicle at the scene had warrants for arrests. Despite being placed in handcuffs, Jackson ran to the driver’s seat and drove away.In the process Jackson swerved in an attempt to strike the deputy.

The deputy pursued the vehicle and apprehended Jackson.

Jackson’s plea agreement included charges of second-degree assault, first-degree escape, resisting arrest and third-degree theft dismissed and he pleaded guilty to attempted murder.

Jackson has served 15 years of the 22-year sentence. He is currently housed at the North Alabama Community Work Center.

Minutes of the parole board hearing state two family members spoke in favor of Jackson’s release. A victim’s advocacy group and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office spoke against Jackson’s parole.

munity I grew up in, went to high school in. I came back home to my roots, to the people I grew up with.”

Futral said she got involved with the community while she raised two children who graduated from Elmore County High School.

The bank fits Futral’s community roots philosophy. Like most of the bank employees, she went to school with many of its customers. All of the leadership and many of the employees live in the communities the bank serves.

“We know our customers because we frequent those businesses as a customer,” Futral said. “We have a very good partnership with them. Those businesses are our customers and we are their customers. We know each other well.”

It’s those partnerships that allow the small community bank to tailor products to individuals

and customers. According to Futral, being small also means there is no convincing leadership that might be miles away in another county or state to help customize a banking product.

“The larger you get, you have to have one business model and hope they fit into the business model,” Futral said. “When you are a community bank, you can create a business model for each and every customer.”

Other perks of a small community bank include having a real voice when a customer calls in. Futral said the bank still has a switchboard with someone answering it — even on a weekend when a debit card might not be working.

“It gives a personal feel,” Futral said. “When you are small you can do small things and continue to be there for the customer all the time.”

The banker with 33 years of experience

doesn’t see the community mission changing under her leadership. It’s because the community bank feel and model have been successful for First Community.

“We are going to stay

true to who we are,” Futral said. “We are one of the last-standing true community banks in the area. We put 100% of our focus on where we live, work and our kids go to school.”

Crowds turn out for inaugural River Region Art Summit

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It might have been a wet day in Wetumpka on Saturday, but it didn’t rain on the first River Region Arts Summit.

The event allowed artists and organizations supporting the arts to connect at The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts. Executive director Jennifer Eifert thought the weather might keep people away.

“I woke up and was like, ‘It’s rainy, I’m going to have four people,’” Eifert said. “But we have a packed house. This is just great.”

The Kelly set out 25 chairs for presentations but there was standing room only as artists and representatives from 15 organizations gathered.

Alabama State Council on the Arts visual arts program manager and gallery director

Amy Jenkins shared information about the council’s fellowship and grant programs. Jenkins noted The Kelly receives grants from ASCA. She also explained the organization’s fellowship program that awards $5,000 to artists of all levels in almost every genre to further their art. Jenkins said grant awards can be spent on creating a better studio space, creating art or gaining education and information to further an artist's career.

Jenkins' favorite part of Saturday’s program was the networking between presenters. She said she always leaves programs energized, noting an issue in Alabama is the smaller population spread out geographically.

“I don’t get to know people as much as I like,” Jenkins said. “Today I got a chance to meet so many people I’m looking forward to working with, getting to know better. It just means a lot to be able to see all of

the talent one room can hold.” Artists also got to visit with representatives from Sunshine and Pixie Dust, The Wetumpka Impact Crater Discovery and Visitor Center, the Montgomery Arts Center, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, the Montgomery Art Guild, the Prattville Art Guild, Southern Art and Makers Collective, The King’s Canvas, the Society of Arts and Crafts of Montgomery and Central Alabama, Millbrook’s The Art Mill and The Kelly.

Eifert said planning for the inaugural summit started several months ago as an interest was found to connect artists and art organizations. It started with three to four organizations and quickly grew to 15.

“We decided to call it a summit because of how it became so large,” Eifert said. “I think this is the first time anybody has brought together more than just one or two organizations.”

Bain to retire from county school board

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The Elmore County Board of Education announced the process to replace Dale Bain on the board at its Tuesday meeting.

“We will need to get someone in his district to fill the spot,” board chair David Jones said.

Bain plans to retire at the end of February and there are approximately two years left on his term.

State law requires the board to appoint someone within 30 days. If the board fails to make the appointment, the responsibility falls on the governor’s office.

The board wants to be transparent in the process, so it will take letters of interest with

resumes until Feb. 14. It will interview candidates and vote for Bain’s replacement March 7. It will swear in the new member March 19. Bain’s replacement must come from the same zone — District 1 in Millbrook. Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis told the board he will continue to harp on student attendance.

“It is a state problem and relevant here in Elmore County,” Dennis said. “The chronic absenteeism in Alabama has doubled in the last four years — since COVID. Students need to be in school and need to come on a regular basis.”

Absenteeism is impacting student achievement. Staff with Elmore County Schools are working to improve attendance.

“We will talk to parents and guardians about making sure their students are in school each day of the week so they don’t miss the lessons that are going to build over the year,” Dennis said. A backup internet plan for all county schools is well underway. Earlier this school year, an internet outage caused major issues for more than a week. Since then, the Elmore County Commission has partnered with Central Alabama Electric Cooperative’s Central Access to make the installation of 11 miles of fiber optic cabling possible. The installation makes a backup ISP possible.

Elmore County Schools director of IT services Barbara Burchard updated the board on the progress of the project.

“They are moving quicker than I ever thought,” Burchard said. Central Access has installed the majority of the cabling on poles. It still has some underground work to do. Burchard said none of the new cabling had been brought into any building yet but would begin when the boring projects were complete. She expects it all to be completed in June.

Weather caused Dennis to close schools earlier this month. He announced Feb. 19 will be used as a makeup for the day lost to weather in January. It will be a virtual learning day.

IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION:

• Approved monthly financial statements for December

2020.

• Approved minutes on the Dec. 19, 2023 and the Jan. 12, 2024 meetings.

• Approved textbooks for the Elmore County Technical Center aviation program.

• Approved a single personnel action, the hiring of Cory Lee as athletic director and football coach at Holtville High School.

• Approved a pest control contract for all Elmore County School facilities.

The next meeting of the Elmore County Board of Education is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at Stanhope Elmore High School in Millbrook. Brian Ward and Bain were absent from the meeting.

SUBMITTED

Rana Futral is the new CEO of First Community Bank of Centeral Alabama. The Elmore County naitve has always lived in Elmore County and raised her children in the Eclectic community.

JACKSON

CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI

Alabama State Council on the Arts visual arts program manager and gallery director Amy Jenkins speaks to artists gathered at The Kelly Saturday for the inaugural River Region Art Summit.

Lake Martin Mini Mall starts The Local Market

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter

Those along Lake Martin will soon have a new place to shop for fresh produce, local goods and artisan works alike.

The Lake Martin Mini Mall is hosting The Local Farmers and Artisan Market for the first time this March. Right now, the market managers have vendor applications in for fresh vegetables, jams and jellies, pickles, eggs, baked goods, meats, honey, soaps, flowers and freeze-dried candy with hopes for crochet items, woodworking, hat makers and potters to come.

For those selling produce, the farmer needs to grow at least 70% of what they are selling.

“People are looking for fresh produce or as fresh as you can get it,” market manager Melissa Palmer with Palmer Farm explained.

Meanwhile the artisans featured will focus on handmade works or upscaled pieces. There also will be food trucks and live music at the markets. The aim is to create a hub for local products and for farmers and artisans to connect with people in the community.

“One of the main purposes we always strive for around our store here is bringing the community together and this is just another way to bring our community together,” market manager Jason Left with Lake Martin Mini Mall said.

The Local Market will have a curated selection of vendors for each market date so that there is a variety of products. While the market begins in March, it will run all the way through to December.

“We will still be accepting vendors until our last market because our last market will be a Christmas market,” market manager Allyson

Andrews with Wildly Blessed said. “The vendors we have in March, our first market, might not have items to sell in December and the people who want to come in December may not be able to be here in March.”

The managers also aim to post in advance what vendors will be at the upcoming markets so attendees will know who to expect. The link to become a vendor is also posted on Lake Martin Mini Mall’s Facebook page.

THE FULL SCHEDULE OF THE LOCAL MARKET IS AS FOLLOWS:

• March 23 Spring Party from 2 to 8 p.m.

• April 12 from 2 to 7 p.m.

REELTOWN BOYS POUNCE ON PANTHERS

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Reporter

Reeltown jumped out to an early lead over Elmore County and never relinquished.

The Rebels defeated the Panthers 58-43, limiting Elmore County’s scoring all night and disrupting the visiting team at every turn.

“We played pretty well,” Reeltown coach Jonathan Gardner said. “We played pretty lackadaisical in the first part of the game, but the boys stuck with it.”

Both teams struggled to score in the first half. By halftime, Reeltown led Elmore County narrowly 23-20.

After half, Reeltown’s offense came alive while the Panthers struggled to keep pace.

In the fourth quarter alone, the Rebels’ Jamarkius Smith scored 11 of his 13 total points, connecting on two balls from deep. Elmore County as a team scored just 10.

“He has been leading us in scoring these past couple games,” Gardner said. “He has been doing really well. He is really figuring it out.”

To Elmore County coach Nathan Taylor, Monday’s game was all about Reeltown’s players on the perimeter beating his guys.

“We just got outplayed by their guards,” Taylor said. “They have good guard play.”

Elmore County was led in scoring by Jabari Murphy, who scored all of his 12 points through the first

three quarters. Tough refereeing saw Murphy foul out. Camron Brown added 10 points, all in the second half.

At halftime, down only three but feeling the game starting to slip, Taylor told his team to stay with it.

But as was the case all game, the Panthers could not find a consistent way to keep making shots.

“I told them that we had to keep fighting,” Taylor said. “We missed some shots, and they made them.

That’s it.”

The Panthers will take the loss into Tuesday night’s game against Chilton County, before facing off against Holtville in the 5A, Area 6 tournament on Feb. 6.

If there was anything to take from the 15-point loss, it was that the Panthers didn’t give up.

“Nothing went our way and we continued to fight,” Taylor said. “If there is a silver lining, that’s it.”

As for Reeltown, the Rebels have two more games before area play. They travel to Coosa on Tuesday, and rematch with Holtville on Friday. Reeltown defeated Holtville by 16 points to start its season.

On Feb. 5, the Rebels will face Lanett to open the 2A, Area 6 tournament. Games like Monday’s are the perfect way to get the Rebels ready for postseason play.

“These games get us ready for the area,” Gardner said. “These are the games to take advantage of and get better at our craft.”

FOURTH QUARTER SEES ECHS PAST REELTOWN

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Reporter

Reeltown and Elmore County went blow for blow for three quarters.

In the fourth, the Panthers took over.

Elmore County walked out of Reeltown with a 51-34 win over the Rebels, fueled by an 18-point explosion in the game’s final frame.

“That’s all the effort they have been giving at practice,” Elmore County girls basketball coach Kyle Caldwell said. “We have been emphasizing effort and want to and consistency on defense.”

Both teams kept the scoring low in the first half, with the Panthers taking a three-point lead into halftime.

After the break, the game looked to be much of the same in the third, as Elmore County had a four-point lead going into the final eight minutes.

In the fourth, aided by six points by Addy Peadon, the Panthers closed the door once and for all.

The entire night Elmore County deployed its full-court press defense, trapping Reeltown players off the inbounds and generating countless turnovers.

In the fourth, the defense shut down anything Reeltown was trying to do, as the Rebels managed just five points.

“We have some girls with some length arm-wise,” Caldwell said.

“They are able to create pressures and tips and steals and baskets in transitions. And then set it up again. Practicing that full speed every day, with the depth we have, that has been key for our success all year.”

Caldwell’s team gave up a little bit of size to Reeltown’s bigs London O’Neal and Chizyiah Riley. The only way around that was to play tough.

While O’Neal finished with a game-high 23 points, the Elmore County defense limited the rest of the team to just 11 points total.

“We played a little bit tougher,” Caldwell said. “They had a good game plan to get it to (O’Neal) and she played really well. She is a great player. But we had a little bit more depth and that contributed to us expanding our lead in the fourth.”

For Reeltown, not being able to play through Elmore County’s pressure was the team’s demise.

Elmore County’s Emily Mason, playing with four fouls late, was one of the defenders Reeltown coach Will Solomon said his team simply couldn’t get by.

“They really got hot and we didn’t take care of the ball,” Solomon said.

“(Mason) came back in the game, really good ball player, and she got a couple turnovers that really turned the momentum.”

O’Neal’s big game got slightly overshadowed by the late collapse, but it highlights a need for the Rebels to figure out. The team has to get her some help when she is going off.

“The team did a good job of getting London the basketball, and realizing that she was hot,” Solomon said.

“But she got a little tired. We need to get her some help. That is the biggest thing, when she is getting a little winded, getting her some help.”

Despite the pestering defense all night, Solomon was happy with the product his girls rolled out.

“I was pleased, we had great effort,” Solomon said.

Reeltown will play two more regular season games before facing Lanett, at Lanett, on Saturday in the area tournament.

Elmore County will play Holtville at home on Feb. 5.

HENRY ZIMMER | TPI

Reeltown’s Finn Henderson goes up against Elmore County’s Jabari Murphy.

HENRY ZIMMER | TPI

Powered by an 18-point fourth quarter, Elmore County defeated Reeltown on the road.